Maybe there were people in this place who didn’t automatically reach for “grateful” when they looked at me.
Maybe I could build something with that.
Later.
After I survived.
I turned and headed back toward the house, stopping at the pump to splash cool water on my face and neck before going inside.
On my way along the side corridor, another familiar shape detached itself from the shadows.
Victor.
Of course.
He was leaning against a pillar like he had all the right in the world to rest on someone else’s stone, arms folded, eyes bright.
“Out early,” he observed, looking me over. “Again.”
“You too,” I said. “Can’t sleep with so much plotting to do?”
His smile didn’t reach his eyes.
“I hear you’re going to the shrine with the Alpha tonight,” he said pleasantly, ignoring the jab. “G
