“Ignore it,” Ace mumbled into my ear.
“We’re not in the position to ignore anyone right now.”
Ace’s chest rumbled along my back as he chuckled.
“Don’t make a joke about positions,” I warned.
“I didn’t say a thing.” He rolled onto his back, his arm slipping from my waist.
I flung back the covers and flinched as the cold air smacked my skin. With a shiver, I padded over to my clothes. They were still soaked, so I left them where they lay and walked over to Ace’s dresser to pull out a shirt and pair of pants. I had to yank on the drawstring and fold down the waist multiple times to keep the pants from slipping off my hips, but at least the shirt went down to my mid-thigh. If I ended up losing the pants while I answered the door, at least I wouldn’t be flashing anything.
Ace grumbled while he mirrored my actions, pulling on the first dry shirt and pants he found. He didn’t bother trying to tame his wild hair, opting to leave it as a wild dishevelled mess.
I liked him like this. Less put together. Like I disturbed his peace and ruffled his feathers. I was annoyingly pleased with how Ace’s hair looked and knowing I’d help make it that way.
“I’ll get it,” he muttered. “It’s my door.”
The knocking hadn’t abated. Instead, it offered a steady beat as we approached the entrance.
Ace strode ahead, his large shoulders blocking my view. My weapons were still out of reach. I plucked one of Ace’s spare bows from where it hung on the wall—the man really knew how to decorate.
“Just re—” Ace swung open the door.
Orion stood at the entranceway, casting a long shadow into the room. Nala stood at his feet.
Upon seeing me—or probably more accurately upon smelling me—Nala whined, her eyes squinting in pain. But for once, my familiar’s discomfort wasn’t my focus.
My brother stood behind Orion, the knife in his hand pressed to the healer’s neck.
“Let’s talk inside.” Paul pushed Orion forward which bumped Nala.
My familiar yipped and hobbled forward.
I’d never wished pain or suffering on my brother until now. Even during his betrayal, I never wished him harm. I could forgive my brother a lot. But hurting Nala?
No.
Who was this man?
Pauk winced as he stepped into Ace’s cabin, he kicked the door closed behind him. The heavy wood swung shut but didn’t latch.
I could shoot him.
This could all end with a single arrow. I wouldn’t have to worry about him betraying me again or killing Ace.
“Sorry, Nala,” Paul whispered.
“Don’t try to pretend that you care,” I snapped. “If you cared, you wouldn’t have set me up as a murderer, sent your thugs after me or kept me in the dark about everything.”
I probably should shoot him. But this was my brother. My twin. I still couldn’t consolidate the boy I grew up with the man standing in front of me with a dagger to our friend’s neck.
I couldn’t kill my own brother.
My hand clutching the bow grew sweaty.
Paul met my gaze, pain and sorrow pulling at his expression. “But I do care. That’s what’s got us into this mess. That’s why he’s here.”
Paul pressed the dagger into Orion’s neck. I tightened my grip on my bow. I could shoot him in one fluid motion.
