"You're not needed," Caden said flatly.
The stranger jolted. "Of course. Sorry to interrupt."
"Wait," Eva said. "What did you mean you might know how to do it?"
He hesitated, his gaze flicking in Caden’s direction. It caught on the crest of the Hawkvale which Caden wore over his chest. The man's face paled further when he realized who he was addressing. The Anateri were highly respected, but they were also feared.
None feared them more than a throwaway.
"Answer her question," Caden rumbled.
Eva glared holes in him, wanting to kick him for his rudeness, while knowing she'd never dare. Since she couldn't do that, she stepped in front of him, bringing the focus of attention to her.
She smiled at the other man, the expression unfamiliar and forced. "Please, continue. He won't hurt you for speaking."
At least Eva fervently hoped he wouldn't.
The man waited several seconds as his gaze went to the menacing presence radiating from the Anateri behind her. She didn't need to see to know that Caden probably looked very much like a killer just then.
"We used something similar to lift doxen rocks out of the pits," the man finally stammered out. "The canvas the Trateri use for their tents might have a similar elasticity."
"You can build this?" Eva questioned, wanting to be sure.
The man's eyes finally left Caden to focus on Eva. He ducked his chin once.
"What's your name?" Eva asked.
"Kent, miss."
Eva smiled at him. "Then please do so."
Kent ducked his head in a nod and hurried away.
Eva started to follow when Caden's hand on her upper arm stopped her. His touch felt like a heated brand, warm and possessive.
"Never step in front of me like that again." His voice was low and lethal as he spoke into her ear. "You will not like the consequences if you do."
His words felt like a bucket of cold water poured over her head, reminding her in no uncertain terms exactly where she stood with him. She was little better than a throwaway. Stray too far from her assigned role and she'd be shoved back into it.
Eva's breath stuttered out of her, unable to ignore the small curl of fear at the inherent threat. Caden hovered for several more seconds, perhaps waiting for a response. Eva had none. Her words felt locked in her chest, her throat tight with repressed emotion.
Caden muttered a small curse before stalking away.
It took more willpower than she wanted to admit to continue forward, to force her lips to stop trembling. Collapsing would be easy, but she prided herself on never taking the easy route.
She only wished she had a way with words and was the sort of person who had a snappy comeback, but she wasn't. She was the sort who let someone say what they would while she ignored them and pretended everything was happy and safe in her world.
Her distress must have still been written on her face because Ollie's eyebrows snapped down, his gaze landing on Caden's retreating back, correctly guessing the cause.
"Everything alright?" Ollie asked.
"Yeah, everything is fine." It was too. She'd forgotten for a moment. She wouldn't make that mistake again.
"You sure?"
She nodded. Her smile when it came, was a little more real this time. She needed Ollie to believe her. To do that, she needed to believe it herself. The last thing she wanted was for him to challenge the commander. There would be no competition; Caden would squash him like a bug.
"Just nervous. I've never attempted something of this magnitude," Eva said.
