Page 106 of A Fate so Cruel

“The same stuff?”

“It wasn’t as strong, but I’m willing to bet it was a precursor to what they’re putting out now.”

“And where did the ones responsible go?”

“To prison, on Saoirse’s order.”

“You think they’re out?”

“Could be, or they’ve found a way to still pull the strings. Their governor wanted to overthrow my father. The two never got along. He even tried to break off from Nàdair and start his own country. Only threats of war have kept them in line.”

“War.” She tasted the word. “Brónach hasn’t experienced one of those in a long time.”

“Let’s hope we keep it that way.”

“All right, so the governor is suspect number one, noted.”

“That city has eyes and ears everywhere. We won’t be able to breathe a word about the mission, even if we think we’re safe.”

“Afraid I can’t keep it together?”

“You can be a bit . . . eccentric.”

“I resent that.” She crossed her arms and stared into her steaming mug. “Are you ready to take them all on?”

Rion flexed his fingers. “I’ve been itching for a good fight.”

Selina held up a finger. “No fighting until we have the information.”

“And food, I presume.”

She laughed. “I do think you’re getting to know me a little too well, Lord Rion.”

Chapter Eighteen

The two decided to sleep for a few hours before grabbing a quick lunch and heading out. She never mentioned the almost kiss. Maybe it was a mistake on her part, or maybe it was too distracting with the conclusion of their mission fast approaching. He wouldn’t pressure her on the matter.

Days passed as they continued their trek south. The temperatures rose to peak levels that had sweat rolling down the back of his neck. He was glad he’d cut his hair. The event seemed like both yesterday and a lifetime ago.

Rion cracked his eyes open just as dawn began illuminating the clear sky. Their fire had shifted to ashy embers and Selina was—gone. He shot up, throwing out his magic in all directions.

Her pack still sat on the ground, just out of reach. Her water skin, too. Which meant she couldn’t have gone far.

Rion stood and scented the air. Close. He grabbed his sword belt and fastened it on before jogging slightly uphill through the thin trees.

He didn’t have to go far.

There, just at the top of the hillside, the sunlight creating a halo around her braid, Selina stood with her body lowered in a perfect stance. She moved her foot in an arch and lowered further, her chest expanding and contracting with deep, controlled breaths.

Sweat dripped from her hairline and rolled down her exposed collarbones. She wore the same shorts from yesterday but had opted to shed her top shirt, leaving her clad in nothing but a tight wrap around her chest that left her stomach and arms exposed.

Rion swallowed hard, trying to keep his gaze from drifting. Selina pulled her blade from its sheath, then exploded in a series of movements. She jumped and dodged and rolled, her magic following every movement with lethal grace.

Rion sank back into the shadows to watch. Her foot shifted, but instead of pushing forward in the manner that had previously given her body away, she lunged without a tell.

Fast learner. A dark voice in the back of his mind whispered that it had been an act. Maybe it had been. Maybe at the time she’d intended to follow through with Alec’s orders, but after saving him and nearly kissing him again, Rion wondered if she’d damned those orders.

He let her go through her routine without interruption. He waited until she stood and wiped the sweat from her brow before emerging from the trees.

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