River's pov
Trust was a currency we couldn't afford anymore.
Not after the warehouse.
Not after Kira's screams over the comms.
Not after the way Malrik strolled into our compound, like betrayal was a fashion statement and we were all too naïve to see it.
And I wasn't in the habit of being naïve.
I'd read Malrik's file a dozen times. Former Council strategist. Turned mercenary. Disavowed by three factions. Brought back by request,Draven's reluctant request.
And now, somehow, he was entrenched in our operations like he'd never left.
No one seemed to care about the blood on his hands.
Especially not Draven.
But I did.
And I especially didn't like the way he looked at Eira,like she was both a challenge and a prize.
So I followed him.
