Malakai muttered something I didn’t catch,then tugged me closer with a gentler touch this time, placing his lips against my forehead.
And that’s when I caught Lionel watching.
He wasn’t smiling, not quite. More of a soft, searching look that made my stomach twist in guilt. Despite knowing where I stood, and what I had chosen, he still forced himself to check up on me, quietly. While I admired his loyalty, I felt like a total ass for being the main reason for his hurting… And selfish for still wanting to be his friend after everything we had been through.
I swallowed and looked away first.
Eve returned, cup refilled, eyes flicking between all of us before landing on Lionel and then me. A knowing sigh escaped her.
“We’re like a traveling circus,” she muttered. “Except with way more emotional damage.”
Ashley perked up immediately. “Dibs on being the leader.”
Malakai snorted.
Nate leaned back against a log, smirking. “Ten more silver says this group doesn’t make it a week without someone getting punched.”
Caleb’s blade glinted as he smirked. “Depends who starts it.”
Eve blew out a breath. “Alright, circus or not, we move soon. The forest’s not going to wait for us to finish our drama.”
Caleb stood, sliding his blade back into its sheath. “We should talk route before we pack up.”
Malakai’s expression sobered instantly, the easy humor shattering. “We could always tie a rope between us, if we’re worried about getting separated in the forest.”
Lionel shook his head. “Too restricted, we’ll be easy targets and if they’re tracking—”
“Theyaretracking,” Malakai interrupted, tone flat.
The silence that followed pressed heavy against the lingering warmth of laughter.
Lionel’s gaze slid towards me, unreadable but firm. “Last time, we weren’t sure if they were targetingyouorhim.” He nodded towards Malakai. “If we’re walking into their territory blind again, we need to figure out which.”
Ashley grimaced. “You’re suggesting bait.”
“I’m suggesting information,” Lionel corrected. “If we split up, not far, just enough to maintain line of sight, we’ll know who they’re following. Then we can stop running circles around the same question.”
Malakai’s eyes darkened. “You’d risk her for that?”
Lionel met his stare evenly. “I’d riskme.”
For a heartbeat, no one spoke. Even the forest felt like it was holding its breath.
Ashley was the one to break it, bless her chaotic heart, as she clapped her hands once. “Well, if we’re doing the whole split-the-partything, I vote girls versus boys.”
“Of course you do,” Eve muttered bitterly.
Ashley ignored her, looping her arm around my shoulders and giving a dramatic tug that nearly pulled me off balance,and out of Malakai’s reach. “Come on, bestie, girl power and all that. We’ll make it a field trip.”
Malakai’s jaw flexed. “You’re not turning this into a game.”
Ashley winked. “Everything’s a game if you win.”
Nate snorted. “And what exactly do the girls win? Fewer demons or bragging rights?”
“Both,” Ashley said instantly. “Plus snacks.”
Eve pinched the bridge of her nose. “This is why the Gods hate us.”
