Page 178 of Red Ruin

“You’re protecting him,” Vhex says sullenly.

“No,” I answer fast and from the chest. “I don’t do that anymore.”

If anything, I’m protecting you.

“Battle ready,” Remy’s voice warms, but it hides a dangerous lilt. “Understood.”

He and Vhex simmer with the sameburn-this-motherfucker-to-the-groundenergy.

Great.

That will end well.

I keep a tight grip on their souls as the array shines brighter, resisting the urge to fiddle with the badge on my sleeve.

I’m not Kevan’s shadow anymore.

Thisis where I belong.

The array burns white-hot when its magic peaks. I shield my eyes against thepopand flashbulb flare of teleportation magic.

As soon as the light fades, I scan the field.

My breath catches.

A hundred-odd Sentinels and Guides stand arranged in orderly lines. Kevan brought the Deathguard.

Onlythe Deathguard.

They won’t be enough.

My gaze snags on the pale, skinny asshole standing at the front of their formation.

Then my heart pinches into the same cavern where my lungs are pinned, everything inside me smashed flat.

Kevan is thin and muscular, with a cold, sharp face that’s extra severe in his black uniform.

I used to stand behind his shoulder.

My replacement stands in his arms.

“Ugh.” The Guide covers his mouth as he swoons against Kevan’s cape. “Was that our last jump?”

“Yes. We’ve arrived. Breathe. Take your time.” Kevan rubs his Guide’s back. The motion is awkward—he’s afraid to break the smaller man—but that’s why I know it’s sincere.

My body roars hot and cold at the same time.

Teleportation makes everyone motion sick. When I stumbled my first time, Kevan told me, “You’ll get used to it,” as I dragged myself off my muddy ass.

I shouldn’t stare. I shouldn’t even look, but my eyes can’t help gluing to the pair.

Kevan’s soul-silks are forever changed.

No more ice blue.

Imprinting turned them green, inseparably woven with the energy of his Guide. I can’t read his emotions or the status of his power.

I never will again.

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