Page 190 of Red Ruin

I’m not doing a terrible job.

By the time I’ve finished sharing enough to hopefully save some of their lives, the magic explosions are winding down. I stretch my senses to check on my troublemakers.

Before I can reach Vhex and Remy, I’m swarmed with resonance from the Deathguard.

Their mental touches are warm, familiar, and so totally unexpected that I reflexively jump back.

But only my feet make the move.

My silks break free, gleefully ignoring what’s good for me. They’re ready to dish out spiritual ear scratches to all the playful silks that frolic like puppies at my feet.

I snatch back my control.

I canfeelthe Sentinels’ wagging tails.

I hope they feel my confusion.

We are not friends?

After trading eye signals, the other leaders push Tiago forward.

He bashfully rubs his neck. “The Deathguard hasn’t been the same without you. If you ever want to come back, we?—”

Captain Mallory—a Sentinel the size of a rock troll—elbows his friend’s ribs. “We’re glad you’re free. You look good. Happy.”

I squint.

Since when did he ever look?

Once, I blocked Mallory from a dive-bombing harpy that would’ve carved him like a rotisserie chicken. He didn’t even salute me with his sword.

Wouldn’t want to piss off Kevan.

Now Mallory’s silvery silks peacock to win my favor. He beams me a weird mix of appreciation and hope.

Instead of warm fuzzies, I feel a lead ball in my throat.

Where was this energy six months ago?

Where was it five years ago when I was being treated like a ghost?

My smile twists. “You don’t think I was happy in the Deathguard?”

Mallory’s eyes drop. “Well… The majoroof?—”

This time, Tiago throws an elbow to shut him up.

I nod.

Why talk shit about Kevan on my account?

He’s the duke.

I’m just a tool.

“Are you flirting right now?” Kevan’s Guide blusters over with his cheeks puffed.

Mallory obediently ducks his head. “No, Keeper Luca.”

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