"Typical snake clan, only concerned about what's in it for you," Fiona said, scowling at the other woman.
Even Eva had heard about the snake clan—about their clan leader, a woman who'd tried several times to orchestrate Fallon's death. She'd thought the clan had been disbanded and destroyed.
Hanna gave Fiona a cool look. "I'm snake clan no more. I'm clanless now."
"Once snake clan, always snake clan," Fiona muttered.
"The actions of one don't define us all," Hanna said evenly, her expression flat.
Through the still water, Eva caught a glimpse of Hanna's hands, clenched, the knuckles white. She might not appear affected, but Eva was willing to bet the words stung. Losing your place would do that to you. Eva couldn't help but sympathize.
She leaned back, letting her mind drift as the hot water worked its magic. If only every stop after a day's journey could be like this.
*
Bathed and feelingsurprisingly refreshed, Eva made her way back up the hill ahead of the other three. They had gotten out of the water just in time. Several groups of men were heading down as they headed up.
When she crested the top of the hill, Eva was relieved to see Sebastian back from his flight. He stood next to Caia, dwarfing the horse as he stared haughtily around him.
She murmured a goodbye to the others before making a beeline for the two.
His greeting was drowned out by Caia's nicker as she danced toward Eva, bobbing her head and acting like they hadn't seen each other for an eternity instead of a measly few hours.
The horse head-butted her as Eva lifted her hand to pet her. "Such a fuss over so little time apart. What am I going to do with you?"
Eva could see Caia had already been brushed down for the day. Probably by Ollie. She was grateful to the other man, knowing it should have been her job. He'd likely fed and watered her with the other horses.
Despite that, she found a brush and gave Caia a quick rub-down, knowing if she tried to approach the Kyren right now, Caia would kick up a fuss that would have the whole camp’s attention.
She was conscious of another of the Anateri's eyes on her the entire time as he scanned the area for threats. Drake, he’d been called by Caden. He didn't seem to need conversation. He was just there, an ever-present watcher.
Eva now understood some of Shea's constant irritation better, if this was what she contended with on a daily basis.
Doing her best to ignore the unwelcome guardian, Eva made quick work of brushing Caia down before moving to her next charge.
She approached Sebastian carefully, stopping out of reach and waiting for him to greet her. She'd had time to think during the wagon ride and wanted to try a few things. She'd been treating him like a horse when he wasn't actually a horse. He might share certain equine attributes due to his resemblance to them, but he also shared many qualities similar to a human.
That meant she needed to be careful of how she treated him. She disliked being approached without her permission, and if someone tried to touch, they would get a fist in their belly and a knee to some sensitive bits. She could only assume Sebastian had similar hang-ups. It was her job to figure out what that meant for her.
"I'm sorry if I've offended you in any way," she told him, speaking to him as she would if she'd upset Ollie. "I don't know your customs, but I'm willing to learn if you'll teach me."
Her speech was sincere and honest, and she let that radiate from her, putting her intentions into the air between them.
She wasn't too sure how much of her feelings reached him, as he stared at her unmoving, his liquid brown eyes so similar to Caia's.
After an interminable wait, he padded forward, his steps silent, before he dropped his muzzle over Eva's shoulder and rubbed the side of her cheek with his. He blew his breath into her face and then pricked his ears up expectantly.
Moving slowly and giving him time to refuse, she reached up and took his face in her hands, stepping closer to rub her cheek against his. Next she blew lightly toward his nostrils, letting him get acquainted with her scent, before stepping back.
Sebastian bobbed his head up and down in a nod while letting out a pleased nicker.
Eva couldn't help the smile that spread across her face. "Well, look at that, we're getting somewhere."
As she patted Sebastian, she let her attention wander around the campsite, interested in who this group of people were. If they were going to be traveling together, it behooved her to understand their dynamic.
The level of separation between the different groups surprised her. Ollie, Jason and those in other support roles congregated in one area while Darius's warriors were in another. There was an ease and familiarity as the two groups shifted back and forth, talking and laughing before retreating to their own side.
The five throwaways were the only dark spot. Their group quiet and reserved. They kept to themselves, their faces going cold and resentful any time one of the Trateri strayed too close.
