Page 106

"Eat," Tye rumbled, shoving it towards me. "Then go to sleep. We don't know what will happen tomorrow."

I stared at him, aghast, while some small traitorous part of me softened at the gesture.

His brow cocked when I didn't take the tray, and he shoved it towards me again.

I just lifted my chin and crossed my arms. Did he think giving me somestolenfood was going to make up for his earlier rudeness?

What a shitty idea of an apology, if so!

His lip lifted into a snarl and his yellow eyes narrowed as he pushed the tray towards me once more.

I gritted my teeth and shoved it away, aiming for his face.

"We aren't friends," I snapped. "Remember?"

Tye lifted his hands to catch the tray before it hit him, but it was too late …

Potatoes, peas, and bits of graiel meat splattered across his face and uniform.

My jaw fell as we both stared down at the mess.

Holy hells …

Tye's chest rumbled as his shocked face twisted into an angry grimace.

"Wiiiiiiiitch!"

"Good night!" I said, heart hammering as I yanked the metal door with all my might and slammed it closed.

Tye reached out to stop it … but the tray caught the door instead … immediately tipping the remaining food onto his chest and chin …

I quickly shoved the door the rest of the way, listening with amused horror as the tray clattered to the red-stone floor just outside.

He had to be pissed! Wouldhe come bursting in and —

One heartbeat passed. Then two. Then three —

Finally, the lock turned and his heavy footsteps drifted away.

I slumped against the door, pulse racing.

I was relieved he hadn't come in … wasn't I?

Forsaken hells.I dropped my head into my hands, forcing myself to take long, measured breaths.That man was driving me fucking mad …

Shaking it off, I removed the pins holding my hair up, then removed my boots. I didn't even have the energy to wash up …

My stomach growled again as I stumbled to the bed, groaning.

Perhaps I should have accepted the food.

"Are you okay?" Rien's now-familiar voice interrupted my thoughts. "You feel very tired … and hungry."

Sighing, I looked up to see him standing at the edge of my bed, Serali crouched at his side.

"You two need to be more careful," I grumbled. "I think he heard you. Were you waiting for me?"

Rien nodded and Serali let out a safe hum. "There is no one else in this place who I can trust. So between visits from the Reaper, I explore and wait for you. Serali usually follows along."