Page 79 of A Simple Truth

If the General was hurt, he didn’t show it, though I couldn’t mistake his usual half-amused smirk disappearing into the ice-cold mask of the Lord of Death staring at me.

“I shall spare you from your misery then. Zora will take over your personal training from now on. There—an easy fix. Any other heartfelt confessions you feel compelled to share?”

“It’s for the best,” I replied, raising my chin up, though his words still stung.

The General crossed the distance between us in one quick stride as he leaned down to my ear and whispered,

“Definition ofbestis quite debatable, Finnleah.” His sharp words lingered, though he was already storming off amidst the fog, leaving me alone.

“Shit…Fuck!” I shouted, kicking the rustled moss and leaves on the ground as the tears rolled down my face the moment he was far out of sight.

I didn’t care anymore if the Glide would show up right now; if it would shred my flesh into ribbons, because even then, it wouldn’t be as painful as watching him walk away.

47

GIDEON

Iswirled the bitter liquid in my mouth, slowly swallowing it. I didn’t even bother getting a bottle, the huge, wooden mug quickly refilling with the red fluid straight from the hefty barrel. I took another sip.

Gods, it wasn’t even good wine.

“Cheap bastard,” I hissed, sitting on the cold ground. I threw my head back and swallowed more of the sour drink. The large storage tent, filled with wine barrels delivered from Lachlan last week, was encompassed with inky darkness. The pounding headache was becoming quite apparent now, though it was a minor inconvenience compared to the gushing wound within my heart.

These cups had to be awfully small as I found myself constantly pouring more, then gulping it all at once. I was awarethisdid nothing, solved nothing, but in this instance, I didn’t fucking care. It was painful enough to fight the urge to descend so deep within the Numb that I wouldn’t even know what the wordfeelingmeant. In fact, right now, the Numb sounded so addictingly pleasant, butthis—I raised up the cup in the air cheering myself—was the next best thing.

Plus, the Numb never got rid of memories, but perhaps if I got drunk enough, I’d forget the last few hours of my life.

“One could only wish for…” I spoke to myself before chugging another cup.

“There he is. Thanks, Liriya,” Orest sounded, discovering my hidden reprieve.

“You are such a snitch, Liriya!” I shouted half-drunkenly to the large bird flying away. “I heard grilled ravens taste like chicken...”

Orest raised his brow at me in question.

“G-o-o away, I’m sulking,” I drew out, closing my eyes. My thoughts were gradually quieting—finally, a fucking win.

“You missed the league’s training.” Orest’s voice was laced with aggravation.

I rubbed my forehead.Fuck. I forgot I was supposed to help, only now remembering. Orest was determined to take the win from the Ten this year.

Broderick, Oleyg, Bear, Ivan, Daibog, and the rest of my battalion commanders and Orest’s league members now crammed inside the tent.

“Serve yourself, gentlemen.” I motioned to the barrels surrounding me.

“Troy will be mad at you for moving into his well-guarded provisions tent,” Orest said, folding his arms, as he rested against one of the barrels. A few of the commanders grabbed a couple of cups, not even filling them halfway.What pathetic drinking buddies.“Where are the guards, by the way?” Orest questioned.

“I gave them the day off.” I raised my cup up as he shook his head with disapproval at my wretched look.

“How gracious of you,” my Second replied.

“Anyone else want days off? I feel extra charitable today,” I carelessly said, avoiding Orest’s piercing glare as I filled my cup to the brim once more.

“I mean, I could take a few days off. Motra and I were thinking of going away to the village for a day or two.” Bear’s long beard shook as he laughed, passing his cup to Oleyg.

“Orest will murder us all if we don’t get ready for the games, and then, when we are all dead, we can rest.” Broderick smirked, taking a sip. Orest smiled slyly, not denying the possibility.

“What happened?” Orest sighed as he passed on the cup to the next battalion commander without drinking.

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