His stare pinned her in place. “That’s not a normal map. Open it.”
Her fingers tightened around the parchment.Demanding bastard.“I think not,” she said flatly. “You’ve taken enough from me this past week. My weapons, my pride. You don’t get this, too. Now, kindly leave.”
He took a step closer and quickly ripped the map from her hands.
Evelyne gaped at him. “I beg your pardon?” She lunged to snatch it back, but he merely lifted one muscled arm, blocking her effortlessly. “Give me that.”
He unfolded the map, his expression hardening as he took in its strange, glowing markings. “Tell me what this is, and maybe I’ll consider it.”
Oh,he was an expert in irritation.
“Do you habitually steal things that aren’t yours, or is it just me you enjoy tormenting?”
His jaw ticked, but he didn’t answer. This was going nowhere. If she didn’t give him something, he’d never let it go.
“It shows us when the darkness is near,” she admitted, irritation lacing her voice. “It’s our only warning. And since you can sense it yourself, you do not need this.”
Faster than he could react, she snatched the map from his hands, stepping back before he could grab it again. His fists clenched at his sides, but he made no move to take it. Instead, he studied her with those unreadable brown eyes and asked, “Who told you I could sense the dark magic?”
“Holden.”
A low chuckle rumbled from his chest. “Of course. He can’t keep his mouth shut around pretty women.”
Heat bloomed across her cheeks. Traitorous warmth. Had he just complimented her?She shoved the thought aside.Focus.He was an arrogant, controlling brute, and she wasn’t about to let him distract her.
“Why are you even here?” she snapped. “Shouldn’t you be entertaining your companion?”
He smirked. “You seemed rather taken with me and my companion.” His tone carried a clear challenge.
Evelyne scoffed. “Don’t flatter yourself.”
“I saw you watching.” He took a slow step closer, his presence filling the space. “Just let me know if you’d like a turn.”
Her body went rigid. Willing away the heat rising to her face, she forced her voice into something steady. “I want my weapons back.”
Kaldrek studied her for a beat before nodding. “I’ll have Heidara leave them outside your tent before we’re gone.”
“Why not now?”
His smile deepened with amusement. “Because I don’t know if I can trust you,Evelyne.” He dragged her name out just enough to make her shiver.
Her resolve faltered, exhaustion settling deep in her bones. She had been too guarded, too careful with her words. But why? He already knew what lurked in the shadows. They all did. So what was the point in holding back?
“She has my brother,” Evelyne confessed. “Alaric and I need to find him, and I need whatever I can get to make it to Nerathar.” She let out a slow breath, her voice quieter now. “If you’re hunting the shadows, you already know who I’m talking about.”
His eyes darkened with something dangerous.
“You’re going to Vaelora?”
“Yes,” she whispered.
“You’ll die before you even reach her,” he said, his tone grave. “Or worse, she’ll take your soul before you even realize it’s gone.”
“I know it seems impossible. Foolish, even. But I have to find him.”
For the first time since she’d met him, his expression wasn’t mocking or unreadable—it was grim. Cold.
“Well,” he said after a long silence, “you should enjoy the rest of the moon ritual. It’ll likely be the last you’ll ever experience.” Before she could form a sharp retort, he turned toward the tent entrance. “We shift in two hours,” he said over his shoulder. “Stay out of our way.”
