Page 96 of A Warrior's Fate

“They’re not just ‘people’,” he said.

“They?” she echoed. “Who are they?”

Almost on cue, the bell above the shop door chimed—high and sweet—as it was pushed open. Through it, strolled a familiar small, full-figured woman. Davina froze a step into the shop, taking in the sight before her—Isla and Kai in some sort of stand-off, and Jonah left to bear witness.

“Hello,” she drawled, letting her russet hair free from beneath the hood of her cloak. Her greeting was followed by thick seconds of quiet. All too long. “Right,” she muttered before taking cautious steps over to the counter. “This seems like something I’m not meant to be a part of anymore, so I’m just going to go into the back and get a drink. Care to join me, Jonie?”

Jonah didn’t speak. Only dropped everything and eagerly followed.

Isla watched as the two descended behind the shelves, not missing their whispered exchange.

“You weren’t supposed to send her here.”

“I didn’t think she’d go out tonight.”

She kept her head turned, even when they’d disappeared. She could feel Kai’s eyes boring into the side of it, could hear as he moved in closer again. Could feel it.

“Isla.”

She didn’t turn.

“Isla.”

Her name was said slower. Deeper. Softer. And from closer. Much closer. A manipulation.

Isla spun around slowly, a grimace prepped and ready on her face. She wouldn’t let it falter as he was merely a foot away. As she clocked just the slightest bit of warmth exchanged from the proximity of their bodies, as she caught a hint of that scent she couldn’t bring herself to wash out of that damn gown.

She stepped back. “Do not.”

“You’re trying to make me believe you didn’t tell anyone? The Imperial Heir? Your brother?”

Isla clenched her teeth. There was no point in lying. “They figured it out themselves. I didn’t tell them voluntarily.”

The corners of Kai’s lips ticked upwards. “Why? Were you losing it without me?”

“No, you arrogant ass, because you couldn’t stay away from me for more than a few hours.”

“Can you blame me?”

Her glower persisted.

Kai sighed. “If it helps, they figured it out too.”

Isla’s features softened, if only slightly. Whoever this “they” was—Jonah and Davina, she was sure of—she’d never met them beforehand. They weren’t at the feast. They weren’t at the infirmary. They hadn’t seen the look that Adrien had mentioned. Hadn’t found them together frequently.

“How?” The question spilled from her mouth before she could stop it.

Kai hesitated.

“I was different when I came back.”

And that was all he said. All he would say, judging by the pensive, solemn look that had threatened his face. And Isla didn’t know if it was the bond, but she knew not to push for more explanation.

Not for that anyway.

She relaxed her arms. “How did you know I was here?”

“I went to the hotel—where you were supposed to be—but when Davina rang up to your room, you weren’t there. Then she mentioned she’d told you about Jonah’s.” Kai let loose a chuckle. “I should’ve known you’d run off at the first chance you had.”

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