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As if sensing my stare, the man lifted his head andlooked around — hooded yellow eyes scouring the room as if looking for a threat.

I quickly averted my gaze, pretending to inspect my bucket.

So, that was Kaiya's mate …

Something in my chest twisted uncomfortably at the thought, but I pushed it away.

Not only was Kaiya not mine — she obviously belonged with him.

Mates were special. Especially among body mages.

Ishouldbe hoping that they would figure their shit out and find a happy life together.

My throat caught.

Stupid lingering feelings.

I got back to work, getting fresh water and mopping my way towards the man.

He had wide cheekbones and a strong jaw. He was also likely double my size, and I wasn't exactly petite …

Maybe Ididn'twant him as an enemy — not that I'd ever considered it or anything …

I stared at the collar of his shirt for a moment, trying to see if there were any tattoos peeking out, then shook my head at the stupid thought.

Hopefully, I wasn't blushing.

It had been a dream, so of course he didn't have tattoos. At least not anything beyond the gray metallic one on his cheek. I'd probably just inserted that idea from Mrs. Harlsted's gossip the night before.

All I cared about was if the brute would give me the info I needed.

"So," I said, putting on my most charming smile. "Enjoying the flat cakes? They're pretty good today, don't you think?"

The man grunted and took another bite.

Okay, then.Maybe he was one of those silent types that would take a bit to get talking.

"I'm Liam," I tried again. "I think I saw you yesterday after you met with Kaiya?"

His eyes went wide, and he looked at me for the first time. "You! You were in my — you're friends with the Witch?"

I cocked my brow. He acted as if …No. There was no way.

Tye glared at me, and I remembered his questions. "I guess you could say that," I said, stepping closer and leaning on the mop end. "We met in Gleyma a few years ago. I fell for her … but she didn't feel the same."

Tye growled loudly, and I shied back, the guards around us following suit …

Maybe admitting I had feelings for his mate was not a great idea —

"And now?" he asked through gritted teeth.

How did I feel about her?

Tye acted dangerous and wild, but that feeling inside my chest told me he could be trusted, and that I should be honest with him.

Were Kaiya and I allies? Enemies? Friends?

Gods. I had no idea.