Cat in a Cauldron

Chapter 11 - The Cat Returns

Anne blew out a breath and stepped out of the tunnel, into the clearing. With everything else going in, it was no surprise he knew all along he was being followed. She lifted her chin and glanced at the others.

A mask had crashed over Eventide's face as she regarded the new development. Her eyes were shrewd, and Anne knew she was figuring out how to use this situation to her advantage. Over the past months, Evie had revealed herself to be the calculating person, always thoroughly exploring each path before choosing one. And she had the kind of personality that enabled her to turn down all paths and just waltz through the trees on her own.

Of course, with the realization of who she really was, it all made more sense to Anne.

Todd wasn't as successful at hiding his features at that moment. At first, there had been a flash of something heated in his eyes, just as quickly replaced by cold fear, followed in a blink by anger. His jaw tightened, his fists clenched, and his stormy eyes darkened like terrible thunderheads. He had to breathe heavily for a second before he spoke, and when he opened his mouth, Anne flinched, expecting harsh derision.

"Anne, please," Todd said lowly, his voice thick. "You have to leave. I don't want you to see this."

Her eyes switched up, surprised by the care in his words. But as much as they took her by surprise, leaving was something she just couldn't do, not when there was a serious fight in the air.

She shook her head.

Todd let out an explosive breath and his gaze flashed to Adam beside her.

"Send her away," he ordered, his voice just as low and far more dangerous. "You'll not use this against me."

Anne glanced at Adam to see his uneven grin split his face, his eyes blazing.

"Now why on earth would I agree to that?" he mused. "No fighter gives up his greatest weapon, Ravenwood."

"I am not a weapon," Anne spoke up defiantly, her own anger rising at the fact that she was now being referred to as an object.

"Besides," Adam continued as if she hadn't said anything, "she won't interfere."

Anne's glare turned dangerous as she stared full-on at the dark man.

"Oh, you think so?" she muttered venomously. "If you believe I'm going to just stand by here and watch you two rip each other apart, you are sorely --"

Her words were cut off as a strong hand clamped down over her mouth. Another thick arm wrapped around her waist, hauling her half off the ground and against a huge mass of a chest. Alexander had effectively shut her up and locked her down. Her eyes narrowed as she glared daggers at Adam, who nodded his thanks to his companion.

Todd said nothing for a minute, and then told Alexander, "You harm one hair on her head, and I'm taking yours as recompense." Then he turned to Adam and said sharply, "Let's end this."

Anne could only watch, struggling like an ant against a boot, as Eventide backed against the side of the clearing and said, "Alright. This is a hand-to-hand encounter. You fight Titem Céad. The first with both knees to the ground must admit defeat, or the fight progresses to Dtí Bás. I'd really hate to have to clean up bodies, as I have somewhere to be, so let's be honorable here. Opponents bow."

Todd bent, keeping his eyes locked on Adam, who gave a graceful bow, arms sweeping to the sides and a smirk on his face. He was confident, and that chilled Anne's spine.

"Begin," Eventide ordered.

They started to circle, keeping their arms loosely at their sides, eyes cemented on each other. They were a pair of fierce wolves, wild and bloodthirsty. A helpless groan built in Anne's throat as she could do nothing to stop this.