None of it was substantiated of course.
If he wasn't affiliated with the Trateri in some way, it was unlikely he would have known about any of that. Eva only knew because of her relationship with Caden.
The man flashed a crooked smile. "Whatever rumors you've heard are probably true."
Eva narrowed her eyes, not sure she believed him. It was all just a little too convenient.
"You're telling me you're a spy."
Not just a spy, but a member of a clan known for its skill in subterfuge and intelligence gathering.
Eva didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
The man's lips twisted. "Yeah. My name's Phillip—and I just broke my cover so we might want to get out of here before they realize those men are dead."
Eva didn't move as he headed for the mouth of the cave, taking a look outside.
"I'm not sure entirely why or how but they share some sort of link. They're aware of things happening in other places. It's only a matter of time—if they don't know already."
Eva nodded slowly. Those patches of darkness likely acted as a network of some sort. What one knew, the rest would learn in short order.
"How do I know you are who you say you are?"
Phillip nodded toward the bodies. "They're not a good enough indicator?"
He had a point.
What was more, embedding a spy in the enemy's ranks was exactly the sort of thing Fallon and Caden would do.
"Fine. Do you have a plan?" Eva asked, resigning herself to the inevitable for the moment.
"We run." Phillip ducked out of the cave entrance.
"Great plan. Why didn't I think of that?"
Eva reluctantly followed, stepping out of the cave onto a small ledge with a path leading down to the valley below. Firs and pines dotted the land.
Phillip's walk was close to a run as he picked his way down the rocky path, careful not to twist his ankle.
Eva started after him.
Although the rain had stopped, the rocks were still slippery. Water pooled in depressions, making the task even more difficult.
"Before you were captured, do you know if Caden had sent scouts out?" Phillip called over his shoulder.
Preoccupied with checking the footing, Eva almost missed the question. "Why do you ask?"
Eva couldn't help but be suspicious. Who was to say this wasn't a ruse designed to find out the Trateri's secrets?
Phillip stopped and looked back at her. "Shea Halloran has a tell when she lies. She gets a pissed off look on her face and she's more likely to make eye contact."
Eva frowned at him as she slowed.
"She also hates being corrected though she pretends she doesn't," Phillip continued.
"Why are you telling me this?"
He gave her a look that told her not to play games with him. "We're only going to survive if you trust me."
