Book 4: Be Ready

Isla

I wait for Vember to disappear through the door to the dining room before turning my attention to Maddox, who is now serving himself a second helping of the roast beef, potatoes, and vegetables that had been served for dinner.

I can’t help but think about the fact that he will have only five warriors with him when he’s up against thirty thousand. Those were… impossible odds.

My appetite vanishes completely, and my stomach tightens painfully as I focus my gaze on the table.

I can’t lose him. There has to be something I can do…

“I meant what I said,” he says, pouring himself a glass of water from a large metal pitcher. “I trust you. I trust that you’ll not only keep yourself safe, but our warriors and our companions.”

“I will,” I agree, giving him a soft smile as he sits down across from me. He looks down at my plate, which has barely been touched.

“Are you not hungry?”

“Your son is squishing me to death. I couldn’t