Warrior's Soul (Book 3 of The Warrior Chronicles)

Chapter 28

Raphael was leaning against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest and his expression unreadable. "He's not the reason why you didn't cross to Asch, is he?"

Leyla was surprised by both his question and his calm tone, "What are you talking about?

"Good," Raphael nodded, interpreting her reply as he wished. "That guy has been hiding who he is, so you shouldn't trust him."

Leyla was about to ask him what he meant, when the implication behind his words sunk in. Suspicion now firmly replaced any silly notions of guilt and she narrowed her eyes, "How do you know what Liam has been hiding?"

Raphael blinked.

She took a step forward, her mind in uproar, "How could you know anything about him unless you had him investigated? But that would take time... Since when have you been watching the camp?"

"Tsk, don't be ridiculous," Raphael pushed away from the wall, walking past her, before turning her way again. "Do you think I have time to watch a camp?"

Leyla studied his expression. Omission and wordplay was his style, but she couldn't remember him ever telling an outright lie. And yet, if he hadn't been watching the camp, how then had he appeared here two days ago? Avoiding all the security measures, finding the hut that was hers, knowing when she would turn up..."A face changer? You put a face changer among the people in camp?"

"You're making it sound like I did something terrible!" Raphael frowned.

So that was it! Bloody Diya, "Why in Gaia would you spy on me?" Leyla's tone was incredulous, but he didn't seem cowed. Quite the opposite, he was suddenly looking quite angry himself.

"What choice did you leave me with, Leyla?"

Her jaw went slack. "What?"

"You left, without a word and wandered into the most dangerous place in Gaia. Was I meant to turn a blind eye and hope for the best?"

That was hardly an excuse for spying on her. "When?" Leyla asked coldly. "Since when did you know where I was?"

"After the Hayvanis joined your camp."

So it had been a while. "Then why did you suddenly decide to show up?" There was a bitter taste in her mouth as she crossed to her mattress and pulled the vial out from under her blanket, "Why take off the bracelet and bring me this? Why come back today? What in Gaia do you want?"

His lips pressed into a thin line, "I've only ever wanted one thing."

Leyla's brows drew together, her chest tightening as she remembered his parting words from before, "What? You want me to be happy?"

Staring straight into her eyes, Raphael nodded.

He wanted her happiness? Living in the Land of Light with him, Michael and Delphine...training the soldiers, working on defence strategy...Leyla couldn't remember a time when she had been happier, but he had ruined it. "Then why did you betray me?"

She held herself stiff, waiting for his answer. Raphael looked at her for a long moment, his eyes searching hers for she did not know what, then he faced the window.

"Leyla, why haven't you crossed to Asch?"

What did that have to do with his betrayal? There was no singular reason. She was waiting for Kaya to wake up and for the camp to be strong enough to defend itself...there were things she had to see through, before she could even think about it. Not that she would tell Raphael any of that, when he hadn't answered her questions.

"You wouldn't be in danger there," he said, when she didn't speak. "There are people you care about in the Jade Palace. You would have an easier life and Jara...is a good man."

Her eyes flared in surprise, "You're pushing me at another man?"

The muscle in his jaw twitched at her words, but he didn't deny it.

It took all the control she possessed to stop herself from hurtling him to the floor. The bastard. The oh-so-composed Prorex bastard!

"I'm not going anywhere," she said simply.

"What!?"

Leyla took immense pleasure at the look of surprise on Raphael's face.

His hands rose, beseeching, "But, that makes no sense! This place is dangerous, Leyla. Shik is a madman and the Bone Eaters kill anyone in their way. Asch is safe for you. Why would you stay here!?"

Fury was a living thing, but she reigned it in and smiled sweetly: "To spite you."

It was childish. She knew it was. But she wanted to shake that blasted composure of his so badly that she didn't care. The look of shock on his face was well worth it.

"Now if you'll excuse me, I have things to do."

Raphael was too stunned to speak as she walked past him. It wasn't until Leyla walked through the door and closed it softly behind her that he remembered to blink.