He had always been the first to offer praise for a job well done, to commend his loyalty and his efficiency.
And now, now it was as if Beric was looking for cracks in his armor.
The thought churned in Bram’s stomach like acid. What had changed? Had he really let something slip?
He had followed Beric’s every order, never deviating, never questioning.
Bram shoved the phone back into his coat pocket.
His eyes burned as he scanned the quiet streets, the rising sun casting long, golden shadows.
He had to take cover soon. But the weight of his decision, of the lie he’d just told, settled heavy on his chest.
Gael was spiraling, and Bram didn’t know if he could catch him before it was too late.
Worse, he didn’t know if he wanted to.
Something about Gael’s desperation, his reckless pursuit of that hunter, gnawed at Bram’s certainty.
What if Gael was right to hold on to this human? What if there was something worth saving in that chaos?
He shook his head, shoving the thought away. There was no time for doubt.
Survival demanded loyalty, and loyalty demanded sacrifice.
Bram turned toward the small inn tucked between two shuttered buildings.
He’d find shelter there until nightfall. Then he’d decide what path to take.
CHAPTER TEN
ASHER
The cold air gnawed at my skin, sharp and relentless. Each step sent a bolt of pain through my leg, but stopping wasn’t an option.
Gael was just ahead of me, his dark silhouette fluid against the fading light of the forest.
He turned back every few steps, eyes narrowed, jaw tight.
That look, the one that said he was ready to snap or snarl, was so familiar by now that I almost found comfort in it. Almost.
“Keep up, Asher,” he growled, his voice low and impatient.
I clenched my jaw. “I’m trying.”
The ground was uneven, roots twisting underfoot, the forest floor a maze of obstacles.
Every time I thought I’d found my balance, my leg reminded me I wasn’t whole.
The bullet wound pulsed like a second heartbeat, hot and sharp. I felt useless. Weak. And Gael’s hovering wasn’t helping.
We both agreed that leaving the town was best, yet entering the Hollow Vale woods now felt like a bad idea.
My foot caught on something, and I stumbled.
Before I hit the ground, Gael’s hands were on me, one arm around my waist, the other gripping my forearm.
The sudden closeness made me inhale sharply. He was cold, always cold, but there was strength in his grip, steady and unyielding.
