Chapter 25 #3
But before Zander could answer, Hein made a move—a low, sweeping glide through the shallows that carried him closer to Kaelith. He dipped his head, wings partially flared, his silver scales reflecting the sunlight in a way that looked... deliberate.
Zander stiffened beside me. “Oh shit.”
“What?” My pulse spiked.
He kept staring, tension rippling off him like a storm brewing. “That looked like Hein was... trying to gain favor.”
I blinked. “Favor? As in...?”
Zander’s face twisted with something between disbelief and discomfort. “I can’t be sure. No one’s actually seen how dragons... you know... mate.”
I snorted. “Well, tell Hein good luck. Kaelith said she doesn’t trust males.”
Zander’s gaze snapped to mine. “Kaelith said that?” His voice was sharp with surprise.
“Yeah,” I nodded.
His focus returned to the beach, but the corner of his mouth twitched like he was fighting a smile. “Hein’s stubborn. He’ll try.”
“Yeah, well, Kaelith’s... Kaelith,” I muttered.
“Maybe they are looking for something?” Zander murmured, more to himself than me. His gaze sharpened as Hein shifted again, still shadowing Kaelith’s every movement.
A sudden shout broke through my thoughts. I glanced down and heard Jax yelling something at Naia inside our barracks, his words lost beneath the crash of the waves.
“Let’s head down,” Zander said grimly.
We climbed down from the battlements and walked to my room.
When I stepped inside, the squad was gathered, their expressions tight.
Cordelle sat on his bed with his journal unopened in his lap.
Riven and Naia stood near the wall, their arms crossed.
Jax was pacing, clearly agitated. Eilvin looked like he hadn’t spoken in hours, and Tae looked downright mad.
The room went silent when I entered.
“What’s wrong?” I asked carefully.
Naia shifted, eyes flicking toward Tae. “Tell her,” she said.
Tae glanced at Zander again. “Are you sure you want me to say this in front of him?”
I nodded, ignoring Zander’s presence at my side. “He may be a jerk, but he doesn’t want me dead.”
Zander grunted but said nothing.
Tae sighed, clearly uncomfortable. “As you know, I have a few... friends in the noble houses.”
Zander’s eyebrow arched. “Tae, you’ve slept with half the female riders.”
“Jealous much?” Tae shot back.
“Hardly.” Zander’s tone was dry. “You’re just running out of bedmates.”
“Not at all.” Tae’s grin was sharp. “I’m honest that it’s a temporary thing. Riders are under the same constraints you and I are. We all want to have a little fun before we’re?—”
“Get to the point, Cadet Rockel,” Zander interrupted, voice tight.
Tae pinched the bridge of his nose. “Now that Remand’s back, there are rumors floating around about Lieutenant Saulter.”
I stiffened, my breath catching. “What rumors?” I asked too quickly.
Tae’s expression darkened. “Some nobles claim he wasn’t just infiltrating the Order... that he crossed a line—took a contract on someone close to the crown.” His gaze flicked briefly to Zander. “Someone important.”
My heart pounded in my chest. “No. That’s impossible.”
“It’s just a rumor,” Tae added quickly. “But with a rider like Saulter, rumors stick. Especially when he’s spent three years earning a reputation as an assassin.”
Zander’s eyes narrowed. “And what exactly is this rumor suggesting?”
Tae shifted uncomfortably. “That his mission didn’t just involve gathering intel... that he may have been working both sides. Feeding information to the Order—or worse—to the Blood Fae.”
My stomach twisted. “Remy would never...”
But the words felt hollow. The man I knew, the man I thought I loved, had been a lie. And if there was one thing assassins were good at... it was deception.
“He’s being watched,” Tae added. “That’s why the major is on edge. He trained Remand himself. It’s also why Warborn’s keeping their distance.”
“Then why is he still alive?” Zander’s voice was low, dangerous.
“Because there’s no proof,” Tae said. “And he’s still a lieutenant.”
I swallowed hard, feeling cold despite the warmth of the room. “If he betrayed the crown... if he’s working for the Blood Fae...”
“Then he’s as good as dead,” Zander finished grimly.
Zander’s hand lingered on my side, his touch warm even through the thin material of my shirt. Riven stood abruptly from her bed, crossing her arms.
“What’s the deal between you and Remand?” Her gaze flicked from me to Zander. “It’s obvious you have history.”
Zander gave a small nod. “We do. And while I find it unlikely he betrayed Major Kaler, I don’t trust him.”
“Why do you think he’s loyal to the major?” Riven pressed.
“Because Remand was raised by him,” Zander said grimly. “He displayed an unnatural level of talent early in his career. The major... recruited him when he was twelve.”
“How do you get recruited at twelve?” Naia asked.
“You kill,” I whispered.
Zander’s gaze shifted to me, dark and heavy with understanding. “Exactly.”
The room fell quiet. Then Zander cleared his throat. “We have a new trial in half an hour. Major Ledor hasn’t said which one.” He paused, his focus settling on me. “Can I speak to you outside for a second, Ashe?”
I nodded and followed him out the door. The air outside was brisk, biting my skin, but Zander’s body seemed to warm the space between us.
“Do you trust Remand?” His voice was low, quiet.
I exhaled slowly. “I don’t know. He went by Remy Cole when I knew him, and so far... everything has been a lie.”
Zander moved a step closer. “I’m not sure his feelings for you were.”
I laughed bitterly. “What does it matter now? I’ll never trust him.”
“Good,” Zander said. His eyes flickered with something I couldn’t name. Pride? Relief?
He shifted closer, the space between us nearly gone. His hand slid from my side to rest against my waist, fingers pressing lightly. My pulse stuttered as he leaned in. His breath brushed my cheek, and the air seemed to thin, like everything in the world was narrowing to just him.
I couldn’t think. Couldn’t breathe.
His lips hovered just above mine, so close I could feel the heat radiating from him. His fingers tightened slightly against my waist, anchoring me in place. For one heartbeat, I thought he was going to close the distance.
“For what it’s worth,” he murmured, voice rough, “I trust you .”
Then he stepped back, breaking whatever spell had held me still. Cold air rushed in where his warmth had been, leaving me feeling unsteady.
“I’ll see you at the trial,” he said before walking away, his steps slow and deliberate.
I stood there a moment longer, trying to quell the wild thrum of my heart.