Sebastian shoved Brisa away with his head, staring at Eva from a distance of inches.
She squinted up at him. "This couldn't have waited until I was on my feet?"
Sebastian worked his lips, an indication he was thinking deep thoughts. He only did that when he was troubled.
Eva,he started.
Eva knew what he wanted to say, and it wasn't necessary. "Stop looking at me that way. I know it's not your fault."
Still—I'm sorry.
"What will be, will be." And no amount of struggle would change the unchangeable. "Are you sure you should be here?"
Sebastian blew out a sharp breath.I told you I wouldn't abandon you again and I meant it. I'll help in any way I can.
An unselfish person would have told him it wasn't necessary. They would have directed Sebastian back to his herd and family where it was safe. The army after the Trateri had already proven they weren't above enslaving Kyren for their own purposes.
Eva wasn't going to do that. She was going to be selfish. Having Sebastian's help, even if he was only a single Kyren, wasn't anything to sneeze at.
He could scout their trails both in front and behind, warn them if an enemy was laying an ambush.
And those were only the few ways Eva could think of where Sebastian might turn the tide. Caden was likely to come up with even more interesting and creative ways in which he could be of use.
"As for you," Eva said, turning her attention to the fire fox lounging on her legs. "This is becoming a habit."
The fire fox gave her a foxy grin and rolled onto his back, kicking his legs into the air.
Laughter echoed in the back of Eva's mind, so faint she wasn't sure if she'd imagined it or if the fire fox was finally ready to speak to her with words.
The fire fox jackknifed onto his front and leapt off Eva's legs. He found a seat, wrapping his three tails around his legs and grinning at Eva.
Brisa watched the fire fox in fascination. "I didn't think anyone could get a fire fox to listen. What they say about Callers is true—you really can work magic."
"I'm not really sure I'd call that listening."
More like the fire fox decided Eva's request suited his purposes. She didn't think anyone could get him to obey unless he wanted to.
Brisa cocked her head in a birdlike movement. "Fire foxes only communicate with those they find worthy. His willingness to listen speaks volumes."
Eva sent the fire fox a doubtful glance. She didn't know if this could be considered communication. Brisa didn't realize but Eva and the fire fox had never really spoken.
Not verbally at least.
Eva had been telling herself that nonverbal cues were as important as physical speech. In some ways more so. It was a lot harder for a person to lie with their body than with their words.
Only now, Eva was wondering if perhaps the reason the fire fox was silent was because he wasn't convinced she was worthy.
A chiding look entered the fire fox's eyes, and he nipped her hand. Eva winced as the pressure of his bite bore down. Although painful, his teeth failed to break skin, denting the web of flesh between her thumb and forefinger but not breaking it.
"You asshole," Eva said after he let go. She examined her hand, touching the marks lightly. She wouldn't be surprised if she had a bruise later.
Brisa made an impressed sound. "I'm jealous of your relationship."
Eva sent Brisa a disbelieving stare. In what way?
Brisa hopped back as Eva sat up, the blankets pooling around her. She pushed them away as she stood, grimacing. Her bones popped after the long night on the ground.
Not too long ago, her body wouldn't have considered this a hardship. So used to sleeping on the ground that it didn't even phase her anymore.
