Page 219 of Caged

“I sent her to the Lost Room to categorize the boxes down there,” I answer, before Dax can lose it.

Gav’s snorts. “I guess giving her busy work makes sense. Pretty much the same thing I’m doing, having Cage babysit her.”

At the mention of Cage, Dax frowns. “Yeah, about that. We need to keep a closer eye on him.”

“Why?” I ask, stealing a pillow, stuffing it behind my head.

My packmate looks at me like I’m an idiot. “Because he’s a fucking sadist. I’m pretty sure he’s not feeding her, let alone giving her water throughout the day. That girl’s lips are so chapped they’re bleeding. And she could barely stand earlier.”

He makes her sound like a puppy rather than a whole ass person.

Also, is he… worried about her? Surely not.

I sit back up and lean forward, studying him with interest. “And how would you know?”

He shrugs, ”I was down there today. The Lost Room is right next to the breakers. When I walked in, she was leaning against the wall like it was the only thing keeping her upright. Said her chest and stomach hurt, and asked to lie down.”

“What did you tell her?”

I’m pretty sure Gav’s pissed if the white-knuckled grip on his glass is any indication.

I can’t blame him. He specifically ordered Dax to stay away from her unsupervised.

“I told her she’d be fine. That she wasn’t a delicate little flower. A little hard work won’t hurt the girl.” He frowns, and I think I catch a flash of guilt in his eyes, but it’s gone so fast I can’t be sure.

“She asked me for water. When I told her Cage would bring her some, she declined. Emphatically. Before I even had the words out of my mouth.”

Gav and I exchange a look.

“That… that wasn’t manipulation,” Dax mutters. “I’m sure of it. I think she’s scared of him, and to be honest, I don’t blame her. I’ve heard stories recently from other trainees. I don’t trust him.”

“I’ll talk to him,” I offer.

“Don’t. I already said something. Then I sent her back to her room for the day. She wasn’t much use to anyone at that point.”

Good.

I’m glad he sent her to her room. Glad she isn’t still sitting down there in that basement, cold and alone and not feeling well.

Then I hate myself for being glad. Because she’s the enemy—the reason Caelan’s in a coma.

Isn’t she?

Dax levels Gav with a serious look. “Actually, I’ve been meaning to talk to you. I don’t think the Bloodbound is a good fit for Cage. There’s something about him that’s… wrong. He’s not hard. Not ruthless. There’s no honor behind his mask. He’s just a fucking dick.”

Well, that’s interesting he’s never voiced such a strong opinion about a trainee before. I wonder if the way Cage treats Idril has something to do with Dax wanting to boot him.

Maybe he doesn’t actually want the little liar to die. Maybe he’s softening.

And Fates, I can fucking relate.

There are moments I have to force myself to picture Caelan—broken and bleeding when we found him—to remind myself why I hate her.

I still haven’t told anyone about the blanket and pillow I left for her, or the food. Or the hair ties. Or the moment I almost touched her that first morning, desperate to feel her skin against mine.

And I’ll never, ever, admit that when we crossed paths on the landing last night, I almost lost it.

She was standing there in a pair of leggings and a t-shirt, the same uniform she’s worn for days.