Ignoring the voice saying "don't go" in the back of her mind, Eva headed for the cave's entrance.
Sebastian was waiting for her outside, along with Polaris whose presence acted like a sobering splash of icy water.
Sebastian's gaze lowered to her hands, his eyes dimming when he found them empty.You didn't find anything in there?
Eva paused at the hope she heard in his voice.
Sly Kyren. They were as good at their tricks as a certain Tenrin she knew.
"Maybe."
Eva looked over her shoulder as light glinted off metal. Except she knew perfectly well the ring was located too deep in the cave for the light from the entrance to ever reach it.
"I'm not entirely sure what I found."
Or so she tried to tell herself.
Deep in her heart she knew what the ring sphere was. Hers. It called to her. Told her she could have it and so much more. All she needed to do was take it.
That was what scared her.
Something that powerful was a magnet for trouble.
She wasn't ready. She didn't know if she'd ever be.
Polaris cut Sebastian off when he would have spoken.It's not time yet. It may never be time.
The last sentence was a whisper Eva wasn't sure she was meant to hear
We've come to fetch you,Sebastian told her, changing the subject.
"Both of you?"
An embarrassed look crossed Sebastian's face as Polaris regarded her with a bland stare.
He thought spending time with you would give him a better idea of your character,Sebastian explained.
"Right. Sure, he does."
Maybe what Sebastian said was true and Polaris felt he needed to know her a little better before he cast judgment. Only she didn't think so. More likely, he was there to keep careful watch in case she was the traitor they feared.
Eva put the question of Polaris's motivations out of her mind. "Where are we going first?"
Sebastian's ears tilted forward.I thought you'd like to play with the foals.
Eva ignored Polaris's unhappiness, truly excited about the suggestion. "I love that idea. I can't think of a better way to spend the afternoon."
Sebastian presented his side to Eva so she could mount.
Eva swung up easily, casting one last look back at the cave and what waited for her there. Maybe one day, she promised the ring.
What Polaris said earlier felt right. This wasn't the time for her to claim the ring sphere and all it represented.
But if the time ever came, she would be prepared.
six
Cadenplacedhispalmagainst the ground, confirming what his eyes could not. There was still a residual warmth from the fire that had gone out hours before.
