The attack on the lower base the other day proved the Council knew we were in the vicinity.
I was hoping they didn’t know just how deep Equinox ran through the rocks and mountains.
Ash crouched beside me, glowering. Every time I glanced his way, he snarled under his breath.
I knew it wasn’t fair. I knew he wanted Seph.
So did I.
In ways I could barely explain to myself, let alone Elliot.
But I had made a choice.
Even if that choice felt more brittle and painful each day.
My pocket buzzed slightly. I pulled out my phone.
PHANTOM: D has S – enroute now.
K: you sure?
PHANTOM: sure. Come back.
Relief hit hard and fast, but I forced my face to stay neutral.
I let out a slow breath.
Thank God.
But we still couldn’t leave yet.
I checked Ash.
If I told him, he would leave. I could tell from the tightness in his jaw.
“Who was that?”
“Phantom checking in. She wants to know where we are.”
Ash was surveying the base in that quiet, predatory way of his.
His senses were hyper tuned to Seph. He was tight as a wire.
“How many do you think are here?” I asked Ash.
His eyes took on that strange glow as they consulted the winds that chased his hair. A slight breeze flickered over the base.
When the wind returned, Ash turned to me.
“A few hundred men. Lots of climbing gear in the sheds,” he looked at me.
“Seph isn’t here, K.”
I hid my flinch. “Someone might know where she is. We need to get closer.”
“What do you suggest?”
“Blow over some tents. A distraction. I want to check out the officer barracks.”
