Page 219 of Red Ruin

Tan’s voice is much softer than a Sentinel’s, but he nails Simms’s gravelly tone.

“You’re good.” I sigh.

Voice-dubbing moody Sentinels is the favorite hobby of Guides forced to stand at the side. It’s a way to bond and de-stress, but I’ve never been invited to the game.

I wasn’t welcome to chit-chat in the Deathguard. Even if I’d forced myself into the group, the only Sentinel I could’ve spoken for was Kevan.

That would be mocking the duke.

No way in hell.

Tan’s eyebrows lift as he turns, waiting for my reply.

A giddy tingle flows under my skin.

Tan isn’t afraid of me. I wouldn’t say that helikesme, but I’ve saved his life and seen him fucked upside down, so we’re at least on cordial terms?

Vhex and Remy don’t care about being mocked.

As long as it’s me, they’ll like the attention.

I watch Remy. He waves a dismissive hand at their psychic conversation, and shadows scatter in its wake.

“Fool,” I mimic Remy’s haughtiest prince-of-the-night voice, trying to mix in a touch of his sexy laziness. “Do I have to teach you how to dig a hole?”

Vhex is rolling his eyes while sneaking glances at our corner.

I puff my chest, trying to hit sulky and belligerent, all wrapped up in irresistible smoke. “Fuck all this. I just wanna bite my wife.”

Tan whistles softly. “Is that how they sound?”

“Isn’t it?”I think my take was pretty accurate?

“No. At least, not to me,” he says and shudders. “Major Azrid usually gives more, ‘die peasant’ and Duke Trezzoran… I’ve actually never heard him speak until now. I heard him cackle once. He was covered in wyvern entrails.”

It hurts that Vhex and Remy have been so damaged for so long that no one even knows who they are.

But also?

I chew my lip, trying not to grin.

I like that only I know.

Only Icanknow.

They’re treating me differently.

I like that the most.

“Brace yourself,” Tan warns. “He’s starting.”

I turn back to Simms.

The earth-type Sentinel isn’t wearing his jacket. In just an undershirt, his bulky arms are bared. He spreads his palms. Yellowy earth magic ripples, and Simms controls the shape into a spinning drill.

The pulse of power rattles my teeth.

Simms is stronger than I expected.

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