Chapter 21

Kade

Sloane woke just before dawn.

Daphne had kept her overnight at the clinic after the warriors brought her in from the western woods.

I had helped get her onto the stretcher. Stayed long enough to make sure she was conscious. Then I had left her to the healers.

Her injuries were painful, but not serious. Bruised ribs. A split lip. A cut near her temple. A shoulder Daphne suspected was badly strained but not dislocated.

The rogue had hurt her.

That much was obvious.

Everything else was less clear.

I stood near the window when she opened her eyes.

For a few seconds, she looked confused.

Then she saw me.

“Kade.”

I straightened.

“Hey.”

Her eyes moved around the room.

“Where am I?”

“The clinic.”

Memory returned slowly.

Her hand moved toward her ribs, and she winced.

“The rogue.”

“Yes.”

Her gaze snapped back to mine.

“You found me.”

Something