Warrior's Pain (Cadi Warriors Book 4)(70)

“I’m wondering why the male captured Riley then released her without incident,” Cuttles stated suspiciously.

“Riley informed me she didn’t see who the male was, since he kept her concealed till he released her. I’m guessing when she struggled, he decided to cut his losses. Drawing further attention to himself would’ve been supremely unwise.”

Riley tried to not look surprised as Cyprian fed the Overseer the excuse she’d given him. He knew it was Aculus. She couldn’t understand why Cyprian didn’t inform Cuttles who their suspect was.

“That is probably true. However, the saboteur had an additional reason to release your human. Unfortunately, it’s not good news, my friend,” Cuttles replied. “One of your companions was still in the washroom when he entered. My guards discovered your companion’s body when they inspected the washroom.”

“He what?” Cyprian growled.

Cyprian sounded angry and surprised, but Riley knew it was all for show. He already knew Adeoda was dead, and who did it. It was a topic he’d expressly forbid her from mentioning. Riley had a feeling there was a story there.

Does anyone know how to tell the truth, Riley reeled?

Cyprian was deceiving the Overseer. She was deceiving Cyprian and Cuttles. Riley was caught in a web that was twisting tighter by the moment.

Just keep your mouth shut.

“I am sorry about all this. I hope this doesn’t change your opinion about returning to my establishment,” Cuttles said sincerely. “Follow me. My people have retrieved your friend’s body. I will escort you to claim him.”

The three of them exited Cuttles’ office, and travelled down the main esplanade. The bright lights and boisterous atmosphere were a contrast to her somber mood. They reached a wing that branched off, and the Overseer paused.

“I don’t think the female will want to enter the morgue. It is not a pretty sight after today’s incident. Perhaps she can look through the shops here,” Cuttles suggested.

Like you care, Riley wanted to snap, feeling on edge.

The Overseer wasn’t ignorant of the horrors she’d been subjected to in the slaves’ quarters, or down in the catacombs of the arena. So why he was acting like a gentleman now, was beyond her.

Riley didn’t like the idea of being separated from Cyprian. Despite the predicament Riley was in, she felt safest when Cyprian was near. But some time alone would give her a chance to get her head in order. And she wasn’t keen on seeing a bunch of dead bodies. It was more than she could handle at the moment.

Cyprian looked down at the robe Riley was wearing, and scowled.

“I want someone guarding her,” Cyprian insisted.

“Of course. One of my guards will watch over her, while we tend to this distasteful business. You,” Cuttles commanded a nearby Verrater. “Escort this female. Go no further than these few shops.”

“If anything happens to her,” Cyprian growled his open-ended threat.

“I saw you in action in the arena. I will guard her with my life,” the furry guard replied.

“Good,” Cyprian huffed. “Just a moment.”

Cyprian grabbed Riley’s arm and led her a few feet away. Riley tried to not appear nervous when she noticed his stern mien. His hands smoothed up her arms as he leaned in close.

“I need to collect Adeoda, but when that’s over we will have that conversation you’ve been avoiding,” Cyprian said as he looked at her necklace.

Riley didn’t reply as Cyprian left with the Overseer. She wasn’t looking forward to that conversation. Cyprian covered for her with Cuttles, but he wasn’t pleased. She had a feeling he was reaching the end of his patience, and not in a good way.

Riley followed her babysitter to the nearby shop. She perused the selection of colorful garments, but couldn’t concentrate on any of it. Riley avoided the other shoppers as she wandered aimlessly. The guard stood by the door watching her.

“I believe I have something in that style that will fit you,” the shop attendant said.

Riley nodded. She couldn’t care less.

“If you step into this fitting booth, I will bring you a few items to try.”

Riley headed into the little room and shut the frosted screen. She sat on the stool, and rested her head in her hands as she waited. A rustling captured her attention as a waterfall of clothing draped over the glass screen. Riley pulled herself up from the stool and stared at the pile. Just the thought of trying on a bunch of stuff was exhausting. Riley grabbed a long, black and pink sash at the edge.

Nice scarf.

Riley draped the silky length around her neck. She almost screeched when the fabric coiled around her shoulders, snaked beneath her cape, and wrapped around her torso.