Her hair fluttered in the wind, contrasting with the opaque black leather of her flying suit. She pressed the tip of her blade to Erin’s neck, her eyebrows furrowed. His eyes filled with fear as he slowly lowered to the ground. Alina took a step back, still training her sword at the traitor.
From every side of me, men of different ages, statuses, and standing in the clan were lowering themselves to the ground. It took just moments until I was the only one who remained standing.
Alina’s gaze flickered in my direction and her eyes widened. I took a step forward, entering the clearing. With my uninjured hand I gripped my blade and pressed it across my torso, taking a knee.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
FRID
When I opened my eyes, strips of light brightened the purple velvet, making the fabric glow with a deep red hue where the sun touched it. Still half asleep, I glanced at the bare walls that closed in all around me. The warm light came from the slits in the wooden door, freely entering the tiny room I was in.
A sudden flash of recognition surged through me, and I perched myself up on an elbow, looking over at Victor. Two light gray eyes stared back at me. His hair was more disheveled than usual. But his skin had resumed its normal creamy color, and a faint pink blush spread over his cheeks.
“You’re awake,” I whispered.
“For some time,” he responded.
His voice sounded soft, and more raspy than usual. Just hearing the sound of it filled me with a rush of stupid, uncontrollable happiness. Just days ago, I was not sure if he would survive thetrip, and only hours ago, I did not know if both of us would make it to safety. Everything about this morning was nothing short of a miracle: the bright morning sun, a dry, comfortable bed, and no crawlers in sight.
“Why didn’t you wake me up?” I rubbed my eyes, sitting up on the floor.
“You needed sleep,” he said simply.
“How do you feel?” Without thinking, I brushed my hand across his neck and cupped his cheek.
Victor stilled, watching me intently. Only then did I realize that I had gotten used to touching him while he was unconscious, and he had no idea that his body was so familiar to me now. But I also knew that he was not really into physical touch. He often complained about the women he dated, how all of them wanted to cuddle and hold hands. He hated everything about that, valuing his own personal space more than the comfort of others. If I was completely honest, I admired that about him. He protected his own interests no matter what, and was not afraid to appear disagreeable in the process.
I briskly removed my hand and scooted away.
Victor watched me for a long moment, his eyebrows furrowed. Then he switched his gaze to the door.
“May I ask where we are?”
“I brought you to the temples,” I said, covering myself with the purple fabric.
“Alone?” his eyes flickered back to my face.
“The healer said you wouldn’t make it without the sacred water. I thought... I could do it. And so I did!” I gave him my best cocky smile.
Victor’s eyes narrowed, his lips moved. He looked away still not saying anything.
“Why . . .?” He sat up rubbing his eyes.
The blanket slid down to his waist, and even after reminding myself not to stare, I could not help taking a peek at his well sculpted stomach.
“Why would you risk yourself?” He stared right at me.
“You were dying. I had to.”
“No. You didn’t.”
“What’s your problem? Is it because it was me? I don’t think you’d be complaining if Ty or Sol had saved you instead.” Victor did not respond. “That’s it, Isn’t it?” I clenched my teeth.
The man was unbelievable! With just a few words, he was able to shift my mood from happy and carefree, to full-blown furious. No wonder we were constantly fighting. He was absolutely impossible to deal with.
“I didn’t agree to this,” Victor said.
“I know. You were too unconscious to ask for anything.” I hissed.
