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Sevenloggers went missing two days ago. But on the video, it showed only six, two people each in three tents. Why was the seventh guy not with the others in the tent in the middle of the night? Had he gone to take a leak? Then why hadn’t he returnedand reported about his fellow workers missing? Did he perhaps go missing after the video had ended?

Evan turned to Xen with confused, wide eyes. “Where’s the seventh guy?”

“Doesn’t matter. Fifteen people is still enough life force to awaken a minor deity. One less person wouldn’t make a difference.” Xen folded his hands behind him, and the Shadow peeked over his shoulder, two red dots blinking at Evan. It had shrunk to Xen’s size.

With another answerless question hanging in the air, Evan’s annoyance flared. He was not used to using his brain to solve mysteries, only to get through them without dying.

“Why don’t we just raid the Nightshade freaks’ nest?”

Xen cocked his eyebrow. “Do you know where that is?”

“No. But perhaps you can help.”

“I refuse.”

Evan rolled his eyes, folding his arms across his chest. “Remind me again what good it would domeif I found you this relic.”

“I can protect—”

“What’s yours, I know.”

“—you.”

A silence spell descended over Evan as he stared at Xen, searching those dark pools for a hint of mockery or amusement. But there was nothing other than sheer sincerity with a smidge of annoyance.

Evan’s eyelids fluttered. “I don’t need your protection.”

Xen dropped his voice, as if trying to engrave his next words into Evan’s conscience. “Yet, I cannot suppress the need to want to protect you. Remember the foundation of the blood bond, Evan. You must help me.”

At first glance, Xen didn’t really look like a figure who would need anyone’s “help.” If they’d met under differentcircumstances, Evan would have convinced himself that Xen was a powerful creature, single-handedly sufficient to defeat a horde of his enemies. That was the impression he gave. And if even a fraction of that impression was rooted in truth, then Xen was strong enough to protect himselfandEvan.

What could this relic—Reth—possibly do to add to his strength?

Blinking away, Evan cleared his throat. “I won’t go back on my word. But you have to make an effort to repay me for all this trouble I’m going through.”

As they started towards the abandoned residential area, Xen folded his hands behind his back again. “I’ve already said this, and I’ll say it again. I will do whatever you ask me to—”

“Clearly that’s not the case most of the time.”

“—considering it’s within logic and better judgment.”

“Did you just question my judgment?”

“Yes,” Xen smirked. “And you should too.”

Oh, that’s all Evan ever did, question every decisionaftermaking it. Because thinking before making a move would mostly lead him into the gray area of doubt and indecision. So he went with the flow until he realized it was a clog.

When Evan huffed and stormed off, Xen smiled at his retreating back.

But he didn't make it far.

The Shadow floated into his view, silently blocking Evan’s path. It gently grabbed his shoulders and turned him around to face Xen.

Oh, so slowly, Xen approached, hands clasped behind him, a killer smile drawn on those perfect lips.

“What do you want?” He invaded Evan’s personal space, bending at the waist until their faces were inches apart. “Tell me now, and I’ll give it to you.”

That challenging glint in his eyes sent a wave of heat coursing down Evan’s body, warm breath fanning his face. Too close. Way too close. Even if he tried, he wouldn’t be able to back away. The Shadow was blocking his escape.