Her cocky voice drove into my ears and followed me into the waking world.
Chapter
Thirty-Six
Ronen
Night’s darkness clung to the lancet windows circling the empty sandpit. Its shadows slipped beneath the lit torches and crept along the stone framing the windows.
Rune and I waited for the pet near the arena doors, hoping he received my note. We had about an hour before the night patrols returned and switched with the morning.
Just enough time.
Our little dates in the Eternal Forest had proven too dangerous to continue there. Why they wanted the pet dead, I still didn’t know. Maybe to somehow get to Lucille. Or it could be that they thought he knew something that could threaten their infection.
Unfortunately, he didn’t. I had asked.
The pet entered the tepid arena, clothed in his uniform. Every step he took appeared measured and controlled. Certainty opened his chest and reflected in his direct gaze.
The pet had found his fuel.
I had a hunch after the hellion admitted her feelings for me in front of him, and he still held onto his strength.
He’d found his fuel faster than I had. It was possible the skeletal beast prowling at his side had helped him.
The sight of Hadrian caused Rune to growl.
Except her eagerness and unwavering focus contradicted the sound.
See something you like?I taunted Rune.
Immediate denial lit up our connection.
Right, so when I tell you to keep Hadrian occupied while I test the pet’s mettle, you won’t be thrilled at all?
She huffed in agreement.
I wasn’t sure why. She knew I could feel the truth.
I unsheathed my Soul Swords, throwing one down at the pet’s feet.
Distract the Soulhound, Rune.
She lowered her head, a growl rumbling in her throat as she happily stepped into Hadrian’s path.
Don’t enjoy yourself too much.
She snarled as they circled each other, and I held back a snort.
“Pick it up,” I ordered, feeling a sense of déjà vu.
A small but evident smirk twitched his lips as he reached for my sword, his attention never once straying from mine.
“Find your fuel, and you turn into a cocky bastard?” I mocked, driving my sword toward his exposed back.
He dropped to the sand and rolled out of the way with my other sword in hand.
I charged him, refusing to give him time to settle his stance, and struck again.
