The Archer: Lost Omegas Book 1

Betrayal

CYRENE

When she woke, she was thankfully alone. A new pair of leggings and a full water bladder laying across the end of her cot. She glared at them as she remembered the previous evening. She felt violated, though he had barely touched her. He had drugged her!

To take care of you. Her traitorous mind whispered. Not one of your fellow archers came to see to your wounds. Or help you bathe.

Batting away her annoying thoughts, she reached into her canvas bag that held her belongings. She felt the cloth bag with the tips of her fingers and pulled it free. Plucking a dried stem with a yellow flower from the bag, she placed it in her mouth and chewed the bitter herb. She swallowed down the familiar taste of the Rue herb with a mouthful of water from the bladder. She dressed quickly, the sun would rise in only a couple hours and she had much to do. Checking her bandaged leg before sliding it into the leggings, she was pleased that although still tender, some of the swelling had already gone down.

Strapping a harness and two daggers to her chest, she eyed her bow. Seeing no need to bring it she left it where it lay and left the tent. She needed to feed Hibi then find the Commander for the day's orders. As she reached out to lift the flap of the tent, her wrist drew her eye. A dark blue bruise encircled her wrist- an obvious outline of a hand.

Asshole. She grabbed another bandage and wrapped it around the bruise. No way was she going out among the Skulk with such an obvious sign someone had mauled her.

Walking quickly away from her tent, she heard towards the archers' area. A dozen tan tents with painted arrows marked her soldiers. They were the second smallest team in the Skulk, with only seventy. Only the espias, the spies and assassins of the Skulk, were fewer in number.

Well now only 55, you lost some yesterday. You did not protect them.

Guilt filling her momentarily, she peaked her head in the men's tents. Bunked four or five to a tent, it was a tight fit, but they all were still sleeping soundly, obviously exhausted. She lifted the flap to the women's tents, ensuring they had water and small bags of Rue available.

Careful to wake none, she finally finished her rounds, and left the last tent and headed towards the horses. She smiled when she neared. Hibi was tied to a tree some distance away from the other horses. He liked to bite. And kick. And generally be a pain to the others. But he was perfect to Cyrene. Running her hands along his neck, he nudged her with his nose.

"I know boy. We will not be here much longer. I'll let you run on the way home, promise." She untied him and walked him to one of the barrels of oats. Once she got the all-clear from the Commander she would let him roam the field for fresh grass. Careful not let him eat much, she stroked along his side as she led him back to the tree. He eyed her unhappily.

"I know. I don't like you tied up either. But you are the one that decided to bite and kick, so here you are." She laughed as he stomped his front hoof at her.

"I see you have a way with beasts, kitten." A voice growled huskily from merely feet behind her. Luckily her training prevented her from jumping like a scared child, but inside she was startled he had crept up on her.

"Just one Lord Deimos," she replied curtly. Instantly turning and walking towards the center camp.

"Running away again?" She bristled at his dark chuckle.

Breathe. Don't let him taunt you into something. Breathe....

"I need to report in, and truthfully, I don't particularly enjoy your presence."