“Thaden,” she says, her throat visibly tightening. “If you care about my family, please take them somewhere safe. You don’t have to tell me where. I don’t have to be a part of their lives. But you know this land better than we do, and I trust you to keep them safe.”
Thaden’s brow furrows as he throws a furious glance at me. I could believe that he cares about her. I could even believe that he’s worried about me.
If only it were true.
If only I could trust him.
I maintain my icy exterior, my head held high as I continue to glare at Asha, ensuring she doesn’t change her mind.
Her instincts will be screaming at her to stay with us. To protect us. I have to make sure she doesn’t.
“Of course,” Thaden replies, his expression dark as he throws me another glance. “I’ll do as you ask.”
Asha takes another step away from me. I’m not sure if she’s conscious of the way her right hand seeks the Vandawolf’s arm, the way her body language speaks to the connection they share.
“Thank you,” she says to Thaden. “That’s all I need. We’re leaving at first light. I hope you’ll do the same.”
With that, she turns away from me and hurries toward the exit. The Vandawolf follows closely on her heels.
I catch her quiet exhalation, a sound of pain that stabs at my heart before the door closes behind them and they’re gone from sight.
Whatever battles she might now fight, I know that the Vandawolf would give his life to protect her.
He is no longer the beast he was.
I’m certain she will be safe with him.
I’m relieved at the outcome, but I close off my features as I turn back to Thaden and Gallium, preparing myself to be reprimanded for my cruelty.
But—No!—Thaden’s already stepping past me, a blur of bronze as he hurries toward the door after Asha.
I can’t let him talk her out of separating from us!
But it’s already too late.
The door swings shut behind Thaden, closing with such a loudthudthat I jump.
Damn.
I fight my frustration and my fear as I drop my head into my hands.
All my cruelty can’t be for nothing.
Please don’t let him talk her out of separating from us.
Gallium is at my side within a heartbeat. “Tamra?” His pale-green eyes are full of concern. “What’s going on?”
I can’t say anything. Thaden will hear.
“Please don’t hate me,” I whisper.
“Never,” he says.
His focus passes to the door through which Thaden passed and then back to me.
He gives me a determined smile.
My eyes widen.Does Gallium know? Has he figured it out?
