Chapter 54

Noah was dressed by the time he returned home. He had spent the day being treated for his ghastly wound at Mikhail's. And Mikhail’s father was pleasantly surprised. He and Mikhail both had a solid alibi-Evan. Evan Ryder was trusted in the house not because he had a golden halo about him. No. It's because they considered him too stupid to hold a secret. He was an extension of a machine good for execution. Evan had spread a perfect rumor among the higher ranks in their hierarchy, of rogue attack and how even adjacent territories were haunted by them.

Noah felt sorry for him more times than he could count. And he loved him like a brother would. Which is why his friendship with Vanessa was immensely important for stupid jealousy to wipe away to turn it sour.

He was aware of his limp, a sheet of sweat on his forehead. Another reason he didn't want to be here was his fair maiden. He laughed at that, and winced. The words they had exchanged had been far from pretty. But to his surprise, sh