Page 47 of The Path of Blood and Betrayals

It’s watching us, whatever it is. And it’s eyes don’t stray from me.

A trickle of fear drips into my belly as I gather my tent supplies and bedroll, moving toward the far edge of the forest, away from the volunteers and their community fires. Before I go too far, Tay grabs my arm. “That’s not a good idea.”

Glaring into his face, I jerk away. “It’s also not smart to ally ourselves with someone who could kill us.”

Sighing, he gestures to the crowd. “I know you’re itching for a fight, because that’s who you are. But this is not the place.” Dropping his voice. “Besides, out of everyone here? Only one person could kill us and it’s not the king.”

I wince as if he’s made me bleed.

“The Fae said to stay together. That means, not taking a spot too far away.”

Scoffing, I step away. “It’s either I sleep by myself in the corner of the woods, or the raid is killed during one of my nightmares. You remember what that’s like, don’t you?”

My friend freezes, memories assaulting him. It happened when we were children— my powers reacted to my fear when I dreamt ofmy village burning, and Tay was sliced open. Only his quick thinking and magic kept him alive.

I moved into my own hut after that.

“Don’t go off in the middle of the night,” he commands. “I’ll make my tent near yours, just in case.”

Stepping around him, I move to the far tree, watching as he goes to the lords to divide up tasks.

I assumed the DarkFae, being the guides, would see to sorting it out. Apparently, they’re not going to help Humans more than needed.

“When Fee said you were on the raid,”Kadensays behind me, leaning against a large oak as I jump, hand to my chest, “I thought she was joking. But then, I thought better of it.”

“Thought better of it?” I echo, twisting to tie my tent high. “You thought I would be too scared to come?”

His amber eyes flicker with amusement, glancing to my hands and back. “The opposite actually.” He pushes off the tree, standing by my side as I work. “You seem like the type to always help. Even when it’ll get you killed. So of course, when a raid has been organized, and it will end in almost-certain death? I knew you’d jump at the chance to join.”

Pulling the hood over my head, I glare at him. “You make me sound reckless.”

He smirks. “Reckless? No. Compelled to be seen as good? Perhaps.”

“I’m not so pathetic.”

“I don’t believe those words ever came out of me mouth.”

Turning, I jab a finger into his chest. “I’m here because the Blackwoods Coven signed an agreement. Same as the Dark Fae. I’m fulfilling my obligation and then returning home. Far away from you.” And the secrets he keeps—of me, of my magic.

Distance is better.

Kaden holds up a finger, tapping my lips twice as if to quiet me. My cheeks flush as anger surges through me.The nerve of this male.

“Last time I checked, Taylay signed the agreement. He’s from the Blackwoods Coven. And you?” His eyes rake over me and I hunker into my cloak,willing him not to see much. “Well, you, little kitten, aren’t of the Blackwoods Coven, are you?”

It shouldn’t hurt for him to say what everyone has always said. I’m not a Blackwoods Coven Witch, I don’t belong there. I’m not one of them.

Rubbing my lips together, I avoid his gaze as his lips brush my ear.

“When you were a child in these woods,” he begins, words soft, “were you injured?”

Startled, I jerk back, mouth parting. “What?”

Those keen eyes see every tell. From my surprise down to my closed fists. This close and I still can’t hear his blood—my magic doesn’t rise to protect me. And it should—he has the means to destroy me.

“Interesting.” He tilts his head, and it reminds me of a beast tracking prey. “An injured child, I assume bleeding, and no beasts came to you?” He smirks. “Veryinteresting.”

Looking to my tent, the heir frowns, ignoring my paling face. “You can’t stay here.”