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His black eyes meet mine, but he doesn’t say anything as he guides me to my cot. I practically collapse onto the thin mattress, already half-asleep.

Chapter Thirty-Three

CASSIA

IT TAKES TWO days to recover enough to venture outside of my tent. Healers check in on me every few hours, and one of the soldiers I worked with in the kitchens brings me meals. He doesn’t linger, which I appreciate.

I’ve yet to see Rexton.

It’s giving me anxiety.

What was I thinking when I placed my teeth on him? I threatened to mark him. Who does that? My panicked thoughts swirl and mount in his absence. He must be furious. I’d be if I were in his position. Maybe he’s decided to leave, to finally tell Raum and Aziel he’s done being my dark cloud.

The assignment is beneath him. We’re preparing for war, and instead of helping Aziel and the other generals with high-level strategy, he’s following me around Raum’s war camp. I’m willing to bet he got sick of it, and my threatening to bite him was the last straw.

The thought makes me strangely upset. Rexton compliments me, and he’s not as horrible as I initially feared. He complains too much, but he’s a steady and comfortable person. I like having him around.

I wince as I tug a shirt over my head, my freshly healed skin stretching. The skin is sensitive, but it’s better than a gaping hole. My ribs will take longer to heal, but the bruising has gone away. From the outside, I look fine.

My insides feel like shit, though.

There’s no mirror in my tent, which is for the best. I can only imagine how I look this morning. I’m exhausted, and I’m sure it shows. Still, I can’t hide in here forever. I don’t want to.

I was speared, but I’m not out of commission. I’ve been listening to the passing conversations outside my tent, and Prince Nolic’s army is rapidly nearing the border. They’ll be here soon, and I fully intend to fight when they do.

Soldiers look over as I exit my tent, their gazes almost always darting to my chest. Several people saw my injury, and I’m sure the ones who didn’t have heard the story. It doesn’t help that Aziel took it upon himself to visit camp after learning I was wounded, and I hope he didn’t make too much of a fuss.

He probably did.

Maybehe’s the reason why Rexton left. Rexton snapped at my father, which isn’t something to be taken lightly. Aziel bows to no one, his mates excluded. Maybe he fired Rexton, removed him from camp and possibly even from Wrath.

Where would Rexton go? Lust? He’s handsome and powerful, so I’m sure David would welcome him with open arms.

My lips twist at the thought of David and Rexton, and my hands ball into fists as I search for food. I’m starving, and the dining tent is near the center of the camp. I’m hoping there’s not too long a line. Breakfast began a little over twenty minutes ago, and the initial rush should be dying down.

There’s loud chatter in the area, but only a few people are waiting to collect food. Today’s menu consists of flavorless scrambled eggs, over-salted meat, and toast. It’s not my favorite, but it’s not the worst.

My ears pick up the occasional whisper of my name. People are taking notice of me, and they’re talking. I knew this would happen.

I scan the dining tables, searching for a spot to sit.

Rexton.

He’s at a small table by himself, resting his cheek in his palm as he stares at his food. He’s still here? I march up to him, my heart pounding. He looks up as I near, his eyes narrowing as he takes notice of my annoyed expression.

“Where have you been?” I hiss. “I thought you left.”

Rexton sets down his fork. “Would that upset you?”

“Yes.” I shake my head. “No. It doesn’t matter. Where have you been?”

He takes a second to answer. “I thought I’d give you space.” I hate how nonchalant he sounds. “I figured you’d want it after almost marking me.”

I run my tongue along the inside of my teeth, remembering how his skin felt between them. I could practically feel his blood pumping through his veins. It was taunting me to bite down, to claim ownership of him.

“Are you upset with me?” I ask.

Rexton raises a brow. “Would you care to sit?”