I asked them a few questions, learning several things—including that the crests on people’s wristswouldbe removed. Not by physical force, though. Apparently, the power of Deimos itself would cause the marks to fade away.
When it was eventually time to settle down for the night, I said my goodbyes to the two officiates and returned to the tent. Silence fell as all eyes turned to me. A few predatory looks were tossed my way, along with many unwelcoming glances. But it was the look of cold calculation and dark promise on Atticus’ face that concerned me.
To hell with this.
I swiped my bag from beneath the bunk and exited the tent. I could sleep somewhere else.Anywhereelse. And as my gaze settled on the timber building that housed the horses and dogs, I felt the corner of my mouth kick up. Yeah, that would do.
CHAPTER FOUR
Iwasn’t sure exactly what woke me the next morning. But when I opened my tired eyes, it was to find a black canine gaze pinned on me. I froze, the cobwebs of sleep releasing me in an instant.
The dog lay on his stomach in front of my makeshift bed—formed by two hay bales that I’d pushed together in the stable’s tack room—watching me intently, his stare unblinking. And going by the stiffness in his frame, he wasn’t pleased to see a relative stranger sleeping close to his den.
At least he hadn’t bitten my face off or anything.
Recognizing this particular Laelap, I said, “Morning, Chief.” My voice came out all croaky with sleep.
A new kind of tension invaded my muscles as my scalp prickled in awareness.We weren’t alone.My attention flew to the doorway.
And there was Talon.
His forearms braced on the doorjamb, he held himself with an unnatural stillness that was predator-like. His head was tilted downward slightly as he fixed a questioning gaze on me.
My belly did a dumb little flutter. He was just so superbly male. So incomparably enticing. And certainly a lovely view to wake up to.
Gods, what must it be like to be stuck in a body that didn’t really ‘fit’ you? He’d clearly made the best of it, which spoke of his strength and resilience. But even as you would likely become accustomed to the situation, it would surely never stop nagging at you.
I cleared my throat and very slowly sat up so as not to alarm the Laelap. “Good morning,” I greeted Talon.
He continued staring at me, a gleam of expectancy in his eyes. Expectancy of an explanation for my being here, I knew.
“I, uh, don’t quite trust that none of the godkin will slit my throat as I sleep.”
He did a slow blink.
“By forcing me to enlist, the Sovereigns are putting my life at risk,” I elaborated.“That they don’t value it might be enough to make some candidates decide to execute me in an effort to impress them.”
Pursing his lips, Talon pushed off the doorjamb and straightened. A brief line dented his brow, and I got the feeling he hadn’t considered that I’d be in danger from the other candidates. He gave me a long measuring look, probably chewing over whether or not to toss me out on my butt regardless.
“I won’t bother the animals or get in anyone’s way, I just want to spend my nights here,” I swore.
It was honestly amazing howjust one lookcould brand you overconfident.
“I very much intend to be here for yet more nights to come, but that’s not because I’m of the opinion that it will be easy to pass whatever Xalbia is.” I was guessing it involved several tests and tribulations. “It’s because neither of the alternatives appeal to me.”
Talon seemed to chew on that for a moment. His gaze flitted around, taking in the small mess I’d made by moving hay bales and leaving my sack nearby.
“I’ll put everything back,” I assured him. “I’ll keep my stuff stashed in a corner where it’s not in the way. I’ll never leave any of it lying around, I swear.”
His eyes briefly narrowed in aMake sure you don’t forgetwarning. His gaze dipping to Chief, he let out a short whistle and then—without another look at me—walked away. Obediently, Chief got to his feet and padded out of the room, leaving me alone.
I blew out a long, relieved breath. That could have gone very differently. I would have been grateful that he’d agreed to my request, but I got the sense that he’d only indulged me because he didn’t believe I’d be here after today. He seemed to view me as a sheep who had been thrown into a wolf den—a sheep who would take the first ‘out’ they could find.
And why wouldn’t he think that?
I was human. Xalbia was no doubt designed to test godkin, who were stronger and physically tougher than mortals. I’d naturally struggle every step of the way.
Well, what a perfect stranger thought of me didn’t truly mean anything. Passing Xalbia? Nowthatwas important.
