Page 129 of Unbound

"What use are allies if you don't call upon them in times of need? Of course, I could have ripped them all to ribbons, even in my kuratokken form. But I imagined the sight of the fire touched would send them scattering. My assessment was correct, as usual."

"So you can show up when Typhon calls for you, but you stand me up for weapons training?" I ask.

Raith runs a hand through his dark hair, leaving strands standing on end. "I was busy. But I had one of my people stand watch while you trained. I always do when I can't be there."

"Seriously?"

"Yes."

As much as I want to be mad that he's assigning people to stand watch over me without even running the idea by me... I find I’m both flattered and even a little bit charmed. "Well," I say, trying to stoke the anger I know I should feel. "I don't need you treating me like some damsel in distress, because I'm not."

"I know exactly how capable you are. But I don't expect my enemies or yours to fight fair. That means I want to be ready to punch back if they come for you."

"Let me guess, even if I ask you to stop, it won't matter?"

"Correct."

I sigh, shaking my head.

"Look. I haven't been trying to avoid you. I've just been dealing with... complications."

"What complications?"

"It doesn't matter." He gestures to the door. "We should check on Cade."

"You mean the guy you just dismissed like he was a nuisance?" I ask, refusing to let him change the subject.

His jaw clenches. "That's not what happened. Cade knows I don't see him that way."

"Isn't it? You barely looked at him."

"Because I was more focused on making sure you didn't get yourself killed," he retorts. "And for the record, Cade knows the drill. Safety first, questions later."

I frown. "What drill? Do you make a habit of rescuing him?"

Raith’s hard features momentarily soften. "Let's just say it's not his first run-in with trouble."

Before I can press further, Raith opens the door. Cade stands in the corridor, his back pressed against the opposite wall. He straightens immediately when he sees Raith, brushing self-consciously at the small bloodstain on his collar.

"I'm sorry," he blurts out. "I was trying to keep a low profile like you said. But they?—"

"It's not your fault," Raith interrupts, his voice gentler than I've heard it before. He approaches Cade and examines the cut on his neck. "It's shallow. You'll be fine."

To my surprise, Raith produces a small cloth from his pocket and carefully cleans away the blood. The tender care in the gesture makes something twist in my chest. I’m instantly reminded of his mention of a brother he lost.Gareth.

"Did you at least remember what I taught you?" Raith asks.

Cade's face falls. "I froze up. Couldn't remember any of the moves."

"That's normal," Raith says. "It happens to everyone the first few times."

"Not to you," Cade mutters.

"Even me." Raith glances at me, then back to Cade. "This is Nessa Thorne, by the way. She was trying to help you, which was brave but reckless."

"Yeah… I know who she is. Everyone does. Thanks, Nessa," Cade says to me, his eyes still downcast. "But you shouldn't have risked it. They're looking for any excuse to hurt fires right now."

"Why?" I ask. "What's happening?"

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