“Don’t. You don’t get to talk about what you saw. Those were my thoughts. My memories.”
Sorrow crossed her features. “Yes, they are. And it is a violation to have them viewed by another. That’s why you must learn to block it. We don’t have much time. It will be important for the trial, but we both know what you hide in your mind is a greater threat than that. There may be others in Emberstone who can read minds. And your identity is dangerous to Seren. She can never know the truth while you remain in the territory.”
“Then I can learn to block you?” I narrowed my eyes at her.
“You can learn to make your mind a steel trap, impenetrable to anyone.”
“Why would you help me?” I stepped toward her, using the significant height difference between us to my advantage. “Why do you care if I’m caught or not? Your people are my enemy. Your husband is my enemy. You know who I am.”
She blinked slowly, expression solemn. “Your mother was my friend. In exchange for her help in fleeing Lirien, I swore an oath to safeguard your life. And even if that didn’t matter to me, your life is tied to my daughter’s. There is nothing I won’t do for my children, Your Grace. That alone should be reason enough for me to want your survival.”
Everything I’d ever heard of Brogan Ragnall told me differently. He’d murdered my mother in cold blood then fled—or so I’d been told.
But like every situation I’d found myself in since stepping into this godsdamned forest, I didn’t have a choice. Lucia knowing my identity was a threat. Trusting her might be foolish but not trusting her could mean my death. Or worse.
“What about Seren?” I asked. “Doesn’t she need to know these things too?”
“Yes, but Seth has made it impossible for me to work with her by calling the squadrons to training. For now, I need to work with you, before he makes that impossible too.”
I considered her words.
Lucia might be the most dangerous person here.
But right now, she was offering me an olive branch. More than that. Help. Outside of Thorne and Seren, my allies here were thin.
I grunted, still unsettled by the option. “Fine. But this doesn’t mean I trust you.”
She gave me an enigmatic smile, stepping closer to me. “If you’re wise, you won’t trust anyone in the forest. Including Seren.” Then her palm pressed to my forehead and a sea of black flooded my vision again.
Chapter 21
Seren
The scent of woodsmoke drifted through the air as I slid onto the fur-covered floor of the watchtower, stretching my aching feet. The Vangar officers pretended watchtower duty was a noble responsibility—the first line of defense for our tribe—but I knew better. Even Amahle and Ciaran had admitted it when they’d become officers: no one wanted this job. It was pawned off on candidates and pledges.
I only had a few months left as a pledge.
If I make it that long.
I nudged my pack with the toe of my boot, anxiety coiling at the thought of the unread books in there. By now it was too dark to read and all I wanted to do was sleep, even though I was sure my racing mind would prevent that, too.
“Pledge Ragnall.” Darya’s voice cut through the dark quiet.
I shot to my feet, heat creeping onto my face. Being caught sitting wouldn’t do me any favors. Looking over the watchtower’s edge, I spotted her below, standing beside another pledge from our squadron. And Ciaran.
“Break time.” Darya smiled. “Lieutenant Macklyn brought you food.”
Thank the gods for Ciaran. I could hug him.
Grabbing my pack, I swung my leg over the edge and descended the rope quickly. “How long do I have?” I asked as I landed beside them.
“You’re off shift,” she answered. “But stay with the squadron tonight—no conjugal visits. We’re being cautious because of Giulia Bernardi’s death. We still haven’t found her body and there may be a bear stalking the tribe. Don’t wander.”
Calling the squadrons to the training fields, ordering us to sleep in our squadrons … seemed excessive. Unless they suspected something worse than a bear.
I kept my thoughts to myself and followed Ciaran away from the watchtower, eager to sit, take my boots off, and eat.
“How are you? Did you train today?” he asked.
