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"Yes And she killed the to Zander’s brothers, but not before they clawed out her throat" He lifted a hand to his throat, curling his fingers like claws as he scraped froori do to Irina in battle If they take their voice, they can’t work ic If you silence an Irina, she’s far easier to kill"

Ava shivered, but it wasn’t from the cold anymore "And then she ca tiine Sari had to convince Mala to co But she’s very protective of her friends If Sari asked Mala to come and help protect this haven, she’d do it"

And that was the wo to be her trainer Fire-eyed Mala with the scarred throat and the battle-hardened muscles Ava only hoped she didn’t die of exhaustion Or embarrassment

"Take your shower" Damien motioned toward the door "Astrid asked if you would have lunch with her after you got back I iine she’s in the medical clinic I saw near the road"

"Yes, sir, Captain Watcher, sir" She mock-saluted and scurried to the bathroom

"Ha-ha"

Ava shut the door and pulled off her sweaty shirt, turning to toss it in a small hamper before she froze

Grief struck at the oddest tio about her day, even talk about Malachi, ignoring the black hole that lived inside, then so little would s her up

It was nothing, really Just aon the towel rod A shirt like the ones he’d worn The ones she’d teased hi in the hamper He left theround She’d found it irritating

She pulled it off the towel rack and put it to her face, but it s

Ava buckled as if she’d been punched in the sto the counter A wretched sob tore fro

"Ava?"

She shook her head, gripping Da And his ar She couldn’t stop another sob Or the next Or the next

Da