Page 23

Evander

M y mind is racing with what to say to her.

I want to speak to Bria, but how? I need to know about my arm, to see if she has any insight into what may have happened.

And I have been avoiding her since the conversation with Quinn, fairly certain she’s been doing the same since our encounter in the kitchen.

But tonight, the look in her eyes, the sorrow when she spoke of Nimai, it was too much. The fear she’s experiencing, constantly worrying about her mother and sister and their safety, must be truly awful. And the dreams she’s having. The nightmares. I just need to see her.

While I bathe, I think about what to say, scrubbing at the dirt and grime that collected along my skin from training, letting it flow away in the warm water.

The smells of citrus and lemongrass infiltrates my nostrils.

I take a deep breath of the clean scent as I exit the bath and examine my face in the mirror.

The stubble along my jaw is starting to creep down my neck.

I look tired, worn down. And I am tired and worn down.

I scratch at the rough hair, thinking I can put off shaving until tomorrow.

After drying off, I yank on a pair of loose black trousers and a matching tunic, then sit on the edge of the bed, steeling myself to go across the hall.

Hopefully, by this time, everyone else at the inn will be in bed, and it will be quiet in the halls.

I can visit her unnoticed. Not that it’s forbidden like it might have been back home, but I know Quinn doesn’t want me speaking to her.

Even if I seek answers about my arm. Neither of us needs the drama that would follow if rumors of a late-night visit made their way back to him.

Or Helara. It may not be prohibited in the sense of titles, but Helara has a hands-off rule for those of us protecting Bria. Mainly me and Quinn.

Gathering courage around me, I step out from the room and into the dark, still hallway, waiting a moment to listen for any stirrings, but all is silent.

I close the space between the rooms in a few smooth strides, letting my hand fall in soft raps against her door.

I brace a hand on either side of the frame.

And wait.