Page 137 of A Fate so Cruel

“Impossible.”

Another came up to her side, the female with short black hair. “You found the rebels?”

Selina sighed. “Found, fought, failed.”

The rest of her group exited, all lining up at the entrance, but when the male saw Selina, he too, broke out into a run and skidded to a halt at her side. A murderous shadow passed over his face when he saw her wounds.

More droplets hit the ground and it was the female triplet who said, “Let’s get you inside.”

Rion followed, even though their gazes told him he wasn’t welcome. It was clear from the fires and how their packs were laid out that they’d been here a while. A week, he guessed. He was surprised they’d waited so long. He certainly wouldn’t have. Not where Selina’s safety was concerned. Selina would have probably scolded him again for not following orders, too.

Though wide at the front, the cave narrowed as they walked inside before splitting off into three separate tunnels. All were carved, he noted, though whoever had originally done so was likely lost to history.

The thirteen of them veered left, all hovering around Selina, whispering question after question. Whatever fear Selina carried about their judgement didn’t appear warranted. Herrelationship with her subordinates went far beyond that of a commander. It was deeper. Stronger.

They eased Selina into a sitting position on a makeshift cot in the corner. Rion eyed the blankets and scented the space, noting the tang of spice in the air that reminded him of the eldest triplet. The female remained kneeling by the cot. Another brought Selina water while a third procured food.

The male never left her side. He sat directly beside the triplet. It was as if Rion had ceased to exist.

He leaned against the back wall and crossed his arms. He wanted to be the one fussing over her, but he couldn’t do so without drawing unwanted attention. He wouldn’t do anything to push Selina though, especially in front of her comrades.

“Tell us what happened,” the female triplet said, her voice far more gentle than Rion had ever heard it.

Selina recounted their story and didn’t leave a single piece of information out. They turned to him when Selina mentioned his name and their brows raised in surprise. The male nearly growled when Selina mentioned kissing him during their ruse, but he managed to keep himself composed. It didn’t stop him from glaring at Rion for a solid minute. Rion didn’t react; he simply met the male’s gaze and waited for him to made a decision. It hadn’t ended well the last time they’d fought. Not that he called it much of a fight.

The only thing she didn’t tell her comrades was about the moment they’d almost shared under the stars. A memory that still had his heart racing as he thought about her hands in his hair and how close he’d been to feeling her lips on his again. He still wanted to kill that blasted deer for its interruption. Then again, maybe it had been a good thing. If Selina had changed her mind afterward, the rest of mission might have proved . . . awkward.

The entire exchange forced her comrades to accept one grating truth: Rion had saved her and he wasn’t going anywhere.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Upon concluding her story, Selina's comrades made sure she was fed before dousing the candlelight. She’d balked, claiming she didn't need to sleep, but the female with short black hair was hearing none of it.

Rion took his leave, though sitting in the cavern staring at her comrades in awkward silence didn't exactly sound appealing. He was still an outcast as far as they were concerned.

Rion peered outside. The rain was light, barely more than a drizzle. Not that he'd care if it turned into a downpour. He had his magic to shield him if he wished it to.

Rion ventured out and followed the strong, clear scent of a nearby river. He freshened up, then settled against a tree to finish off the last of his food reserves.

He leaned his head against the rough bark and peered into the gray sky. She was back with her comrades. Selina was safe, which meant he could finally rest.

Rion's eyes grew heavy and he summoned his magic, cocooning himself in a sphere of protection before letting exhaustion claim him.

***

Rion slept hard and woke well after sunrise. He’d nearly given a squirrel a heart attack when he’d emerged from his cocoon. The critter had run up a tree before turning to scream at him.

He laughed, stretched, and marched straight back to the cavern.

There were two guards stationed at the entrance today. A good thing, considering Foley might be trying to hunt them down. He expected no less from Selina’s team.

Rion nodded in greeting, but neither warrior returned it. He inwardly grimaced. If saving Selina wasn't enough to earn their favor—Rion shook his head and sighed. He had a lot of work to do if he hoped to win their favor.

Despite loathing this presence, none tried to stop him as he veered down the tunnel that led to the single circular room.

Selina’s light laughter floated down the hall and Rion’s heart warmed with the sound. He slowed his steps and peered inside.

Three of her comrades stood around her with warm mugs in their hands. Selina stood with them, leaning heavily against the back wall.

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