Page 94 of Code Bound
I keep it to myself. After all, I still have my frostbit feet to tend to. Something that’s very not sexy. And the first time I initiate something like that, I want to be in tip top shape.
She deserves nothing less.
CHAPTER28
VESPER
When we wake up from our rest, the first thing I do is find food. Back in Dross, we were so limited on resources that it became the norm to fight for food when you stumbled upon it, even if someone else already rightfully claimed it. Here, in the Harrow safehouses, the food is abundant and free. As I tear into yet another plate of eggs and bacon—though I limit myself on the amount at this point so I don’t get sick again—I wonder why the food is free. Nothing else is.
“Starving players are not entertaining,” Cipher pops in before I can ask him directly. “It is much preferred that players fight to the death rather than wither away. It reminds them too much of Dross if they do.”
I scowl even as I continue to eat, not wanting the food to get cold. “So, this is all for Luxe’s entertainment then?”
“Have you ever thought it anything different?”
I think about that. Honestly, I thought the Harrow did offer something else to Luxe than entertainment, though I’ve never known what. It doesn’t surprise me that I was wrong, that we’re still the rats they like to play with. I tear a piece of bacon off with my teeth, angry all over again. Those fucking bastards and their golden city. I’m starting to think Locke has the right idea when he says he wants to make them all pay for the way they treat us.
Especially considering they all came from Dross once upon a time.
“Don’t eat too much,” Locke says as he tears into his own plate across from me. “The Minor Boss of the Broken Caldera is close. I figure we can take it out before we head back to the frozen sea we passed.”
“We still don’t have the proper clothing,” I point out.
“I have a solution for that,” he replies, grinning. He points across the room to a lone man standing in a long, black coat. He doesn’t speak to anyone, just sizes them all up as they pass him by. He just stands there with his shifty eyes looking suspicious.
“What about him?” I ask, frowning.
“He’s a trader,” Locke answers. “I ran into him before you got up. The bartender says he’ll have clothing for the cold he’ll part with if you have something good to offer. We can see if there’s anything we have that he wants and maybe get something warmer.”
“You mean if there’s anything I have,” I deadpan.
His grin widens. “That full inventory’s gotta come in handy for something, yeah?”
I shake my head. “You’d think you’d start picking up stuff when you realize how important a fully stocked inventory is each time. Instead, here you are, relying on me. Again.”
His smile slowly falls. “You’re right. I’ll start picking up stuff that looks useful.”
“I’m not actually mad about it,” I say. “But if something happens to me, you’re gonna be screwed. You should?—”
“Nothing’s going to happen to you,” he says abruptly, cutting me off. “Not while I’m around.”
“That’s a very nice sentiment,” I reply, raising my brow. “But not even you can guarantee that, Locke.”
He leans back in his chair and studies me. “Not only do you have the strength of a Bone Breaker, but you’re the system’s favorite. I think you’re gonna be just fine.”
“Do I detect a hint of jealousy in that statement?” Cipher purrs.
Locke doesn’t answer, but his lips purse.
Svetlana leaps down off my shoulder and starts to tear into the bacon with a savagery that makes me gape down at her. “What?” she asks around the food in her mouth. “You’ve never seen a predator feast before?”
Call me simple, but I’ve never thought of insects as predators. My perception of them changes just from watching Svetlana eat. We haven’t seen her in action yet, but clearly, she’s going to be a force to be reckoned with when the time comes despite her small size.
“I don’t think any of that guarantees my survival,” I point out, remembering Locke’s comment.
“Yeah, well, you certainly have better odds than little ole me,” Locke murmurs, throwing back the rest of his juice and standing up. “Let’s see what we can offer the trader.”
I stand, leaving Svetlana to make quick work of the food left on the table. Part of me has a hard time leaving food on the plate after fighting for it so long in Dross, but it makes me feel better to know that Svetlana is cleaning the plate for me. Nothing goes to waste.
