“As you know, I can’t heal you because you’re knee-deep in Xalbia. But I can put some salve on your wound that will completely numb the pain. There’s also one that’ll speed along the healing process.”
Watching as he pulled a small box out of his sack and opened it, I instantly recognized the contents. Salves, gauzes, and other such supplies were easily obtained at the apothecary.
“You can put that down now,” he said, flicking my knife a quick look.
I wiped the blood from the blade onto the grass and then tucked it into the sheath that was sowed into my breeches. Noting bits of dirt on my palms, I rubbed them on my tunic.
Jelani sat in front of me, looking equal amounts pissed and concerned. He carefully shoved up my sleeve and then studied the gash on my forearm. “It’s already stopped bleeding. That’s good.”
Holding myself stiffly, I remained silent as he cleaned the slice. My mind drifted, too focused on Klemens. I had suspected that one of the candidates—maybe even more than one—might come for me. But I’d expected them to try creeping into the stable one night, not make their move while officiates were around. Klemens must have thought he could take me out fast and silently before returning to his tent, leaving everyone none the wiser.
Clenching my jaw so hard it hurt, I breathed deeply through my nose, searching for calm. I couldn’t find it. Couldn’t tamp my anger down.
I hissed as Jelani dabbed on a salve that stung like hell.
“Sorry,” he said with a wince. “It’s good that the dogs heard the commotion—you might have otherwise ended up in a knife fight with Klemens.”
I suspected that I would have enjoyed it. A lot.
“Do you think Atticus had something to do with what happened out there?” he asked, and I knew he was trying to distract me from the pain.
Unlocking my back teeth, I flexed my jaw. “It wouldn’t whatsoever surprise me. At the very least, he likely put the idea in Klemens’ head; planted a seed he knew would blossom at some point. Atticus is manipulative that way.” I dragged in another centering breath. Again, it had no effect. “I want to twist off his balls.”
A surprised snicker popped out of Jelani as he wrapped gauze around my arm. “Whose? Frick’s or Frack’s?”
“Both.”
“In my opinion, they’d both deserve it.” Finally, he pulled back. “Done.”
I prodded the gauze-wrapped wound, feeling not even a hint of discomfort. The numbing salve really did work wonders. “Thank you,” I said, righting my sleeve.
“As for the ball-twisting thing, I’m pretty sure Klemens will suffer a lot more pain being dinner for one of the creatures out there.” Jelani laid a hand on my leg. “If we can prove that Atticus had something to do with it, he’ll pay. But if, like you said, he only put the idea in Klemens’ head, he has an ‘out.’”
The tent flap abruptly whipped up as someone ducked their head inside.Talon. He appeared almost as furious as I felt.
His gaze dropped to Jelani’s hand on my leg, and something flashed in his eyes. Eyes that then narrowed on Jelani, hard and flinty.
I felt my muscles bunch as Talon’s attention zipped my way. He pointed at me and then jerked his thumb behind him.
“She might as well sleep here,” Jelani told him. “She can’t go back in that tent, and we don’t know for sure that no one else will think to make a try for her.”
Talon gifted him a raisedDid I ask for your opinion?brow and again motioned for me to leave.
Unsurprised—but also somewhat pissed—that I’d be made to sleep in a damaged tent, I mumbled something beneath my breath as I pushed to my feet.
I got it. I did. If this had happened while on patrol, I’d be expected to deal with it. The same had to apply now. But I didn’t have to like it. There was no way for me to like it. No way for me to be understanding about anything right now. Fury was still pounding through me, as violent as any storm.
“Ah, come on, Talon,” implored Jelani. “She’s had a hell of a night. Don’t make—”
“It’s fine,” I interrupted.
“No, it isn’t.”
“Okay, no, it’s not,” I allowed. “But Xalbia isn’t about what’s ‘fine.’ It’s about pushing and testing people. I’m not prepared to fail.” I gave him a bland smile. “Thanks for helping with my arm.”
Talon backed out the tent as I walked toward him. No sooner had I stepped out of it than his hand cuffed my unwounded arm and he started pulling me in the oppositedirection of my tent.
I felt my brows snap together. “What are you doing?”
