Page 132 of A Fate so Cruel

Rion didn’t think she realized he meant for a few weeks, but he didn’t push the issue. He ventured downstairs, leaving his sand to block the door and windows. The female stood ramrod straight at his approach. She already had water ready and waiting and drank from the cup beside it without being prompted.

Rion wrapped his fingers around the tray. “She needs something to eat.”

“O-Of course.”

“You’ll be tasting that, too. Ensure it’s not tampered with.”

She swallowed hard and raced to the back, returning moments later with a bowl full of warm broth and fresh bread. Again, she tasted it without prompting.

Selina perked up when he returned. She held her spoon with her non-dominant hand and though it appeared awkward, she made do.

“You were something else out there,” she said after a few bites. “The rumors aren’t exaggerated after all.”

Never mind that fact that he’d been so filled with rage that he could barely remember it all. He’d taken a vial of antidote afterward and given her one as well, just to be sure.

“I didn’t think you were lucid enough to know what was happening.”

“I remember the image of you running up. I heard everything else. And saw the aftermath.”

“I shouldn’t have left you alone.”

She waved her good hand, spoon between her fingers. One swollen and bruised. “I’m a warrior. I’m trained for these sorts of things.”

“It shouldn’t have happened, and I won’t allow it to happen again.” The words were clipped and barely more than a growl.

“We’re a team. If we’re going to succeed, then that’s how we need to function. I’m not anyone’s crutch.”

He didn’t respond. Everything he wanted to say would be laced with emotion and Selina didn’t need that right now.

Less than twenty minutes later, the steps creaked and Rion was at the door before they knocked.

Two. There were two at the top of the stairs. He palmed a knife before opening the door.

The innkeeper stood with another female to her left. He surveyed them, looking both up and down. Neither were armed and the new female carried a large bag at her side.

The innkeeper wrung her hands. “I thought you might need a healer.”

Rion let some of the tension fall from his shoulders. The healer looked ready to run.

“No weapons. No magic.”

The healer nodded and Rion assessed her again before stepping aside. The female gasped upon seeing Selina and rushed to the female’s side. She asked a slew of questions then began prodding Selina’s bruised arm.

A sharp wince had Rion moving forward, but Selina waved him off before kicking him out entirely.

He stood just outside the door, refusing to go further.

He listened intently and caught on to the coded conversation regarding Selina’s safety. It made a bit of the tension fall from his shoulders. Selina explained how they were on an important mission for the High Lord. Her story made him sound more heroic than he felt Alec would appreciate, but when the healer exited, she looked at him with more curiosity than anything.

“I left medicine on the table,” she said, her voice shaking slightly. “She needs to rest for at least two weeks.”

“I told you, I’m fine,” Selina called from the room.

The healer rolled her eyes, then seemed to remember herself. “She can take the pain reliever every few hours as needed. The other is to help prevent any infection and should be taken once in the morning and once at night.”

Her gaze traveled down to his arm. He’d done nothing but wrap it in a crude cloth.

“I could . . . tend to that for you,” she offered.

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