Page 113 of These Fractured Bonds
“You forget yourself, Tonio.” Allyah’s voice was hard, edged with annoyance. “They’ve won. Lower your blade.”
Out of everyone who may have rescued her, Allyah hadn’t even been on her list. It was ludicrous to her, and she couldn’t help the snicker that escaped her lips.
“Mad that I won?”
Allyah didn’t flinch. “Be quiet before I regret stepping in, fool.”
Tonio didn’t lower his blade, leveling a glare at Allyah. “Interfere again…”
“And… ?” Allyah replied, frost settling into her tone.
He didn’t respond.
“All bark and no bite, Tonio,” she said, tutting. “Go before I lose my patience.”
He cursed at Allyah, but did as she ordered, disappearing in a flash of blue. Yareli’s team finally caught up to her, surrounding her in chatter and fussing, but her focus was on the Flame General’s back.
“Get out of here, and have her looked at by the medics,” she barked.
Yareli heard the displeasure coating her every word, as though shewereirritated that she had won. Dre helped her to her feet, taking most of her weight as her legs threatened to give out.
“Wait,” she called to Allyah. “You owe me.”
“I’ve not forgotten what I promised.”
“If you do…”
“Stop speaking foolishly. Your performance tonight was pitiful.”
Allyah walked away before Yareli could answer, disappearing in a plume of smoke.
“Bitch,” she muttered. Stabbing pain erupted in her temple. She clutched at her head, remembering the blow she had taken to it. “Any chance I can get some first aid, Erbert?”
“I’ve done what I can already. It’s a nasty injury. You need the senior medics.”
“Ah. I guess that explains why I still feel like shit.” She went limp against Dre, deciding that it was much better to lie down than keep standing.
“Be careful with her ribs.” Erbert instructed him. “At least two are broken.”
“And my wrist,” Yareli added, the dizziness devolving her to a giggling mess. “I can’t believe we did it.”
Vanessa shushed her, telling her they would celebrate as soon as she got patched up. Dre carried her through a portal Yareli hadn’t noticed, and they stepped outside the arena in front of a white tent where medics rushed between cots. Dre settled her into a cot, and Vanessa stiffened.
“Ines, your general is coming this way.”
Yareli, who had already been given some sort of anesthesia, rolled her head toward Vanessa. “What?”
“He doesn’t look very happy.”
Yareli looked past her, and her eyes widened. Augrys was indeed walking toward her through the cots, a quiet fury in his eyes, his power surging in an oppressive aura. Erick followed closely behind, his lips set in a straight line of resignation.Uii wey.
“Shit,” was all she said out loud before he reached her cot.
“Lieutenant Ines.”
She flinched at his tone. It was the coldest he had ever sounded. Yareli’s team angled between them.
Vanessa stepped forward. “First General Augrys. I understand Lieutenant Ines is under your jurisdiction. However, as her team lead, I refuse to allow any sort of punishment to befall her while she is receiving medical attention.”
