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"Who knows? It's a bit hard to know how you feel in prison …" I shrugged and swallowed a lump in my throat, then prepared the same little speech I gave to the guards whenever I had a chance. "I feel sorry for her, given how awful her life is right now, though. The way they treat her in this place — she's become so weak and fragile … nothing like the badass Kaiya I knew back then."

Tye growled again, a tin cup crunching in his hand. "Weak and fragile?"

I couldn't help but smile at the sight of him barely restraining his outrage at Kaiya's treatment. That feeling had been right again.

This man may be an enemy, but there was no doubt in my mind that he cared for my — no,hisKaiya.

"Yeah." I nodded. "At least until yesterday. She seems a lot stronger now, though —" I trailed off as realization hit me.

Holy shit.It changed when he showed up. It had to be their bond!

I'd said something similar when talking with the villagers earlier, but I hadn't actually thought …

Holy hells! Did Kaiya know?

Tye narrowed his eyes. "Finish your sentence."

I ignored him. "Look, can I ask you a question, Tye? You don't mind if I call you Tye, right?"

"Yes," he growled. "I do mind, little man. And no, I'm the one who will be asking questions. Not you."

Little man? I might be smaller than him, but not by that much …

I shook it off. That wasn't the important bit. I needed answers, and he was my best shot at them.

I leaned closer until I was sure only he would hear my words. "What did you talk to her about yesterday?"

"None of your business," he snarled.

This was dangerous, and I was supposed to be getting info on Gram and Mirrim. But something told me to keep pushing.

I had to know …

"It's just that I can't help but get the feeling that you're trying to help Kaiya, and I'm guessing she refused that help, as she is in the habit of doing. So, I wondered if it was something I could help with?"

I froze as the words left my mouth.

That was notat allwhat I'd planned on saying. Tye's fork froze mid-bite, and he stared at me, yellow eyes boring into my soul.

The intensity made my palms sweat, but I forced my smile to remain steady. If I could withstand Aunt Harlsted and Gram's stares, I could withstand anything.

After another moment, he let out a low huff, then shook his head.

"Fine." He finished his bite. "You're spunky. I'll give you that. Maybe youcanconvince the stubborn woman. I tried to get her to come work for me. Things are about to change for her, and she'll be put in even more danger. If she comes with me, maybe I can … protect her."

My chest tightened as I considered his words.

Memories of her swollen eyes and bloody lips in that cavern under Gleyma had haunted me for years. I'd been too blind to see Lynk's treachery, and too weak to stop the Ellingsworths and that damn priest.

I couldn't protect her then, and I sure as hells couldn't protect her now.

Holden's ongoing abuse was evidence of that.

But Tye was strong — his muscles practically broke out of that damn uniform. And the way the other guards deferred to him told me he held some power …

If Kaiya was about to go into an even worse situation, he was probably theonlyone who could protect her — the fucker.

But she wouldn't listen to me. She felt far too responsible for us all to leave with this man, regardless of who he was or how well he could protect her.