"He's a little slow, but he gets it done in the end," Eva said with fake seriousness.
Ollie snickered as Jason glowered. Eva’s lips quivered with the effort of fighting her smile. She lost the battle as she dissolved into chuckles.
His expression made any remaining sadness flit away.
"You did a good job with him. Hardwick would be proud," Ollie said.
Jason's face glowed at the praise.
"I'd watch out if I were you," Ollie advised him. "Otherwise, Hardwick might decide he can't spare you either."
Alarm spread across Jason's face as his gaze shot to Eva's. She pretended not to see the pleading in his eyes as she ducked her head to hide her smile.
That was family for you. There was no hand holding or soft guidance. Only teasing that ripped open your deepest insecurities for everyone to see. Prodding and poking to find out what you were made of. The more you reacted; the bolder they would get.
Eva had been on the opposite side more than once. It was Jason's turn now.
"I like you both better when the other isn't here," Jason snapped. "Come on, Caia. We don't need to stand here and take this."
Ollie snickered down at his folded arms as Jason's attempts to guide Caia away were thwarted.
Jason threw his hands up. "Fine. Stay here and be insulted. See if I care."
Jason stomped away, heading toward a clump of horses near the boulder field.
"You did a good job with him, Eva," Ollie said.
Eva lifted a shoulder. "He's the one who put in the work."
A lot of it. Much more than was evident at a glance.
Up hours before the sun rose to care for the horses and practice the swordplay that he’d learned from Caden and the other Anateri. Waking up at odd hours when the horses needed him.
He was dedicated and driven. Never complaining and always there when she needed him. Eva couldn't ask for more.
"Guess it's a good thing you gave him a chance, then."
She rolled her eyes at him. "Yes, yes. You were right. Shutting people out meant I was missing out on a lot."
And he'd never let her hear the end of it now that she'd admitted her mistake.
"Eva," Jason interrupted. "You might want to get over here."
eight
Jason'sbackwastoEva as he tracked something along the ridge.
"What is it?" Eva called, jogging up to him.
Eva forgot her question as a rush of movement along the boulders pulled her attention upward. Pebbles skittered down the slope, and she caught a faint scrabbling, like sharp claws fighting for purchase against rock.
Something was up there. And by the sounds of it, that something was big.
"Again?" Ollie pulled a face as he joined them.
Eva raised her eyebrows at them in silent question.
Ollie gave her an apologetic look. "We don't know what it is. It started after you left. We've tried chasing it, but it's gone as soon as anyone gets close."
