Duty and Deceit

Chapter 20

Kaia

Hadi stalked out of the bedroom, not sparing her a glance, slamming the front door shut on his way out. Kaia's shoulders relaxed. She'd known something was up when she saw Roxas follow Min into the bedroom and close the door behind him. The others hadn't paid them any mind, too focused on their card game. She'd ignored the twinge in her chest, trying not to think about what they might've been doing in there, when Hadi stood abruptly, his face enraged, before he rushed into the room. Nara and Fetu had shared concerned glances before following after him, leaving Kaia alone in the hall, watching their cards flutter back to the table.

She'd heard faint murmurs before Min walked out, tears running down her face, trying to get her breathing under control while Nara soothed her. She shot Kaia a meek smile as she led Min out of the cabin. Fetu followed after them, shaking his head and mumbling something about how Roxas was a big idiot.

The clutter of the crockery echoed off walls as she stacked them and took it back to the kitchen. She wiped the table clean, occasionally glancing at the bedroom door. She swept the floor, washed the dishes and rubbed them clean. She knew she needed to face him, but something was stopping her. She didn't want to think about what he might think of her, what he might tell her. She took in a deep breath, picking up the salve she'd bought for his burns, before striding for the room.

Roxas was sitting on the bed with his head in his hands, a canvas crushed and torn up near his feet. When she stepped into the room, he straightened, head turning to her. Kaia paused at the expression on his face. His jaw tensed, eyes hardening. He hated the sight of her.

She hesitated, never seeing such raw anguish and anger in his eyes. He looked like he wanted to be left alone.

"What is it?" His voice had an edge like he was holding himself back from snapping at her.

"I bought some salve for your back," She said as his eyes flew to the pot in her hands. He cocked his head, as though debating something.

She took a step back, "It's alright if Hadi already treated you, I'll just-"

He raised his hands, lifting his shirt over his shoulders, his movements stiff. Her eyes roamed over his toned shoulders, over the lean muscles lining his arms and back. He unwrapped the bandages around his torso, his eyes distant. She tried not to wince at the blisters spread on his back, the burned skin pale and peeling.

He wouldn't have gotten that if he hadn't been shielding her from the fire. Kaia could still feel his panting breaths on her, knees on either side of her body, his teeth gritted, his face scrunched up as she felt the scalding air blowing hot behind him. His almost inaudible groans of pain right against her ears had haunted her sleep.

Roxas turned towards the bed as Kaia came to stand behind him. She dipped her fingers into the pot, the salve cool on her skin. When her fingers touched his back, he tensed.

She gently spread the ointment over the burn, trying not to press too hard. His heavy breaths were loud in her ears, his skin warming her fingers.

She swallowed, looking at the torn canvas on the floor, seeing more canvases thrown onto the dressing table.

She'd been gathering her courage for this moment. She needed to ask him now, or she never would.

"Are you-" she started.

Are you a spy?

You're working for Rehyt, aren't you?

Nara, Min, Fetu and Hadi work with you, don't they?

"Are you alright?" She found herself first asking instead. He said nothing. Not even a wince when she applied the balm over the blisters. "Roxas?"

He reached back, grasping her fingers in his, halting her hands as he turned to her. His eyes didn't meet hers when he said, "You need to leave, Nuwas."