30

Chapter Thirty: Second Claim

It was quiet as the party eventually broke up in the early hours of the morning. North walked beside Eamon and Orin, with Eli bringing up the rear, and Ryland, Marek, and Kriss moving in strategic places around her. They were all a little tipsy, but she was certain her men were as alert as ever. Eli hadn’t looked at her throughout the evening, and she was conscious of the slight.

When they reached her room, they walked her inside, and she was the last one through. North locked the door behind them, and they frowned as they turned to her. She leaned against it, as though forming a barrier with her body. Eli appeared resistant, while the others were either intrigued or slightly befuddled. Orin had a gleam in his eyes that was difficult to read, but he seemed eager to hear what she had to say. Only Marek and Kriss looked completely amused, so they must’ve guessed what her plan was.

“I’ve made my decision.”

The four of them stiffened, while Marek and Kriss lea