Chapter 140: Unwanted People
Riven felt like there were eyes on him, a prickling sensation running down his spine as he walked beside Troy. He glanced over his shoulder, but no one was there. Still, he shook off the feeling and followed Troy back into the mansion.
Troy was looking around too, but for different reasons. He hoped to find out the spies planted there. His idea was to bait Riven, but Ronan would never agree with that of course. He could only try to entrap them in other ways.
Eli lingered in the garden longer than he probably should have. His mind was swirling with thoughts, mostly about Riven and the danger he could face.
He was so distracted that he didn’t notice someone approaching from behind until a hand yanked him roughly to the side.
He stumbled, yelping, but before he could call out, a hand clamped over his mouth.
Wide-eyed, Eli struggled, his instincts kicking in, but the hold was strong. He bit down hard, sinking his teeth into flesh. The grip loosened with a sharp hiss.
"Damn it!" the man growled, pulling his hand back. Eli spun around, his ears popping out from under his cap in alarm.
"Who the hell are you?!" he demanded, backing up a few steps.
The man was disheveled, his clothes wrinkled and dusty as if he’d been traveling nonstop. His eyes were bloodshot, tired, yet filled with a wild urgency. Despite his appearance, something about him hinted at nobility—maybe the way he held himself or the faint accent in his words.
The man clutched his bitten hand to his chest and stared at Eli. "How is he?"
Eli blinked, confused. "Who?"