“This is Lis.” Moe gestures excitedly toward the pale-haired female. “Lis p’Era.”
47
Idrag Moe with me back to our room, my grip firm around her wrist. Lis remains behind, that same unsettling smile lingering on her face as she watches us leave—as if she knows something we don’t.
Yet another sign that there’s something off about her.
“Why were you with that female?” I ask the moment we’re alone, my voice sharper than I intend.
Moe blinks at me, her brows knitting together. “I know she didn’t make the best first impression, but she’s really nice, Nyk,” she says, her tone soft but edged with confusion.
“Moe…” I tap my foot against the floor impatiently. “I don’t trust her. There’s something odd about her.”
“I told you,” she insists, lifting her chin slightly. “She was marked for the Culling a while back, too. So she knows what it’s like and hates it. She’s a top-ranked warrior around here, you know.” There’s a hint of admiration in her voice. “She’s probably going to be able to leave the realm very soon.”
“Exactly.” I spread my hands, incredulous. “She’s strong. So why would she concern herself with us? It doesn’t make sense.” My eyes narrow. “I think she has ulterior motives.”
Moe exhales through her nose, clearly unimpressed. “What ulterior motives could she have if she’s close to one thousand points already? We’re not competition for her.”
I shrug, though my jaw tightens. “I don’t know. Yet.” I meet her gaze, unwavering. “But mark my words—there’s something strange about her.”
She rolls her eyes, folding her arms. “You’re impossible. She saved us. For that alone we can give her the benefit of the doubt.”
I cross my arms over my chest, mirroring her stance. “I don’t trust her,” I repeat stubbornly. “And I don’t like her sudden interest in you.”
“That’s easy,” Moe replies, waving a hand dismissively. “She said I reminded her of a friend.” She gives me a pointed look. “Seriously, Nyk. You’re reading too much into this.”
“Am I?” I step closer, my voice dropping. “Why were you even out? I woke up and you were nowhere to be seen.”
“That’s because I went to the market,” she shoots back, a flicker of irritation surfacing. She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a small bag, holding it up. “I wanted to buy some ingredients and make you something sweet.” Her lips press into a thin line. “But seeing how badly you’re overreacting, I don’t think you deserve it,” she mutters.
I blink, thrown aback. “You…” I clear my throat, the tension draining from my shoulders. “You wanted to make something for me? What?” I step closer, a smile tugging at my lips as I attempt an innocent expression.
She narrows her eyes at me, clearly not fooled.
“Nothing,” she snaps, turning away with a huff. “You’re not getting anything now because you behaved wretchedly.” She stuffs the bag back into her pocket.
As she moves to leave, I reach out and grab her from behind, pulling her flush against me. I wrap my arms around her waist and rest my chin lightly on her shoulder.
“Sorry,” I murmur near her ear, my voice quieter now. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“Well, you did,” she says, though her tone softens just a fraction. “I also didn’t like your tone when you questioned where I was—like you were implying something nefarious.”
“That’s my bad,” I admit, tightening my hold slightly. “I’m sorry. I was… mad with worry when I couldn’t find you.”
She exhales, some of the tension leaving her frame. “That I get,” she concedes. “I actually wanted to come back before you woke up.” She tilts her head slightly toward me. “But I met Lis along the way, and she was very kind to me.”
My jaw tightens again, though I keep my voice even. “Kind how?”
“She heard me talking about certain ingredients that aren’t available at the normal markets,” Moe explains, her tone brightening. “So she invited me to the high-level market to buy some.”
“High-level market?” I frown. “What’s that?”
“Apparently warriors over five hundred points get access to another tier of markets with the best food available.” Her eyes light up as she speaks. “Oh, Nyk, it was amazing. There were so many things to choose from. Hardly anything missing.”
“And she invited you just like that?” I ask, suspicion creeping back into my voice.
“Well…” Moe hesitates, then shrugs. “She asked if I would save her a portion of what I’m making.” She glances at me. “I didn’t think it was too high of an ask, so I agreed.”
