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He intakes a sharp breath before he snaps his lips firmly together. The swirls of color in his eyes sharpen and wiggle about with intensity.
“What?” I ask.
He clears his throat and looks away. “It’s nothing.” He glances up at the sky.
The moon makes its presence known, the last rays of the sun disappearing and a smatter of stars blinking to life.
“We should get back to your campsite.” He turns his back on me and trudges in the general direction of the stronghold.
“Wait a second,” I say with a scowl. I follow after him. “You just about broke my fucking windpipe. The least you could do is tell me what’s up with this tattoo situation.”
Cristen ducks his head below a branch but avoids eye contact. “It’s a Fate thing.”
“Oh, and now you’re icing me out?” I poke his shoulder. My tone is playful in the hopes that he’ll lighten up, but it’s like a dark weight settles upon him.
His jaw tightens. “We should be quiet. I don’t want to attract another one of the monsters. They’re bound to be prowling around with the moon risen.”
I slip my hair behind my ears, then stomp around him, forcing him behind me. “I’ll lead. You’re not even supposed to be here.” I glance behind me, expecting him to bite the bait, but his eyes glue to the forest floor, his shoulders hunched in thought.
“Fucking men,” I grumble and march forward.
He chuckles darkly. “I heard that.”
“Good,” I spit in his direction. “Who knew the Heir of Fate would be so Gods-damn high maintenance?”
“I have the literal world on my shoulders,” he says with a lilt of mock complaint.
I roll my eyes and spot the stronghold’s fire flickering between gaps in the forest, just as a dire screech breaks through the night.
My spine goes rigid, and Cristen grabs me, forcing us both into a crouch.
“Attack!” A woman roars.
The bushes near us rattle as female warriors charge into the stronghold, their weapons raised.
I spy Harmony and Sera ready by the fire. They draw their blades, their eyes narrowed. “I have to help them.” I spring up onto my feet, but Cristen latches a hand around my calf.
“You’ll be killed,” he hisses.
I scoff and shake him off. “Has no one ever taught you to never underestimate a woman?”
His expression tightens with concern. “I don’t want to lose you.”
“And you won’t, you fucking buffoon. Clearly, you don’t know me very well.” I part some leaves and stare out.
The Evercore sisters twist and roar in synchronized movements, taking one woman down before another. They’re stronger, but they’re overwhelmed.
My eyes fly to my weapons. They lie beside the fire. I look down at Cristen. “You had a sword.”
He instinctively reaches to his waist. It’s strapped down behind his left thigh, so inconspicuous that I hadn’t noticed it before, the sheath’s black leather blending perfectly with his pants.
“Give me it.” I hold out a hand and wiggle my fingers.
He stands and bites his lip. “You’re sure?”
“I made a deal with them. I won’t leave them alone,” I assert, then plunge my hand toward his leg and rip the blade free myself.
Bits of blood and guts from the forest monster have dried to the blade, but it’s meticulously crafted. It feels balanced,wealthy. Something deep inside me purrs with pleasure. My lips pull into a lethal smile. “You’re not getting this back.”
