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I spun to the doorway where Ollo stood, the corner of his mouth pulled down. “Do you really believe the Aethar’s legends of the Ikhor? That it’s not evil? Look at me. Look at the things I’ve done. I’m starting to believe the Guardians were right.”

“What things have you done?”

“You’ve seen it. I’ve flooded people from their homes. I’ve burned a god’s temple and possibly the people within it.”

Ollo stepped into the room, crossing his arms, back against the wall. “And is it evil to defend oneself? Or to feel pain? I don’t see your intentions as evil, Saviour. I see a woman who is trying her best.”

“I have done everything for selfish reasons,” I argued.

“That still doesn’t define evil. Being selfish isn’t bad. Sometimes it’s very healthy. Greed and intentional harm are bad. I don’t see you doing either of those things.”

I huffed the hair out of my face and looked back at the pink eyes, the sunken cheeks. “I look terrifying. Like a monster.”

“I disagree. There’s a beautiful woman standing before me.”

I glared at him, but he didn’t cower when the Ikhor stared him down, and it calmed my rising panic as his words sunk in.

“There’s a beautiful woman standing before me .”

Could Ollo really find me beautiful? Surely not when he must get the attention of any woman around him.

“Here.” Ollo held out a piece of dried fruit, stepping closer.

“What’s this for?” I took it, wondering why he was passing me food at a time like this.

“A snack.”

“Why a snack?”

“Oh, I don’t actually know the why of it. I bring Maev snacks when she’s upset. It almost always turns her mood for the better. I had that one in my pocket.” He pointed at the dried fruit. “Situation control is what I call it.”

Despite my anger and concern, a small laugh escaped me. “Situation control.” I took a bite. It was delicious. “I suppose you’re right. I am distracted.”

A strange smile played on his lips. “See? Women are absurd, but a manageable relationship is possible if you meet them on their level.”

I threw the fruit at his head, and he caught it, taking a bite. “Guess not all of you are the same.”

He gave me a half-cocked smile, and the butterflies tossing around in my stomach caught me off guard. Ollo was clearly unfazed by female anger, and I was grateful.

There was another look on his face before he wiped it away. “What’s that look of worry?” I asked.

“Nothing, Saviour. Ignore me and my musings.”

“What does that mean? Please tell me.”

He hesitated as if considering how I would react. “I worry about the tales of the Ikhor. The ones that say the host never returns. I worry about how this ends for you.”

“I see. I worry about that, too.”

“I—I don’t wish to see you succumb to that fate.”

“I am going to stop this. And I am a selfish person. I will make sure I live.”

The corner of his mouth lifted half-heartedly. “Please, do. In the meantime, I would be happy to take up your time. We will not talk of ‘could-be’ unless you wish it.”

“Is this your way of offering a shoulder to cry on?” I gave him a shy smile, the best I could muster up. Next to this man, I didn’t feel as confident as I did with him , but I was certainly at ease. Ollo was like a warm blanket.

“A shoulder? How boring, Saviour.” Ollo pouted. “I’d offer you a bit more than my shoulder.”

His quick change of subject shocked me, leaving me rooted to the spot. “Are you flirting with me?” It wasn’t the first time it had happened or the first time I had asked him that.

Ollo laughed, his entire face lighting, kind and teasing. “I’m not in love with you, Saviour. I’m only having fun.”

Bold. Risk-taker .

My heart pounded loud enough that I was sure he could hear. “I don’t know how to flirt for fun.”

“Sure you do.” Ollo winked, sending a strange thrill through me. “You banter, tease, push buttons and then back off. Don’t worry. I know your heart is in the sky with the beast. I only meant to be playful. Flirting can be healthy.” Ollo fidgeted.

Suddenly, my body was alive, wishing for more. I wanted him to flirt with me. Should that make me feel shame? Because it did.

I was at war with myself—Liv versus the Ikhor, loss versus desire. I craved touch, love and acceptance. If I asked, Ollo might even offer those things.

His arms fell to his sides, his face falling. “Maev is going to have my head when she finds out I was being cocky again.”

And wasn’t that how Nuo treated me? How did I tell him I enjoyed his company offering nothing more in return? “You’re more scared of Maev than the Ikhor? I could burn you where you stand.”

He leaned closer, face shifting into a clever grin. “I love the risk, Saviour.”

“I’ve noticed. You’re quite the thrill seeker.”

“And what a thrill it is that the Ikhor isn’t a hulking warrior but a lovely, curious woman with a perspective on life from which we could all learn something.”

“You see me that way?”

“I may live up in the clouds sometimes. But I tend to come down occasionally and study the little people.” He patted the top of my head before turning to leave. “And this little person is quickly becoming a favourite friend of mine.”