?

  I don’t know if my letter actually did anything or if it was that conversation with that idiot soldier. My eyes turned to the cargo ship unloading supplies, tucking my hair behind my ear.

  It’s only been a week since I compined, and they arrived this early? I narrowed my eyes and walked closer calmly. That newbie who arrived a while ago helped unload the supply crates.

  —Just got here?

  I commented, grabbing the inventory report of what was in the crates. Sending supplies out of goodwill? Is this stuff poisoned or what?

  —Yes, Sergeant… they just arrived... —She murmured in response. My eyes scanned her face before searching for the redhead.

  —Where’s Angelique? She’s in charge of receiving supplies.

  —Ah… I don’t know, Sergeant.

  Before I could scoff, I saw the redhead hurry out of the tent, clipboard in hand. At least she wasn’t scking off.

  —Angelique, check all the crates once they’re stored.

  She nodded immediately. She’s pretty, but I can’t shake the thought that she must be the corrupt one. The rest of us are starved half to death, and she eats so well she could get fat.

  I sighed, letting it go. I don’t care if she’s sucking someone off—I’ll get her out of this position. Turned and walked away in short steps, bumping shoulders with Soren.

  I smiled, and he raised his brows, looking at me with confused blue eyes. Guess I don’t smile often, but is he really that surprised?

  —That’s a rare sight! Good news? Did the king die?

  I ughed harder—if that worm had died, I’d be rolling in the grass with joy. Shook my head.

  —Sadly, no. But supplies came in for us.

  —Oh! That’s great news too.

  —Yeah, it is. Now… come here. Need to discuss something with you.

  —Gonna give me a kiss as compensation? —He grinned teasingly.

  I frowned.

  —You’re lucky if I don’t sp you. Compensation for what? You didn’t do anything. This is all my own effort.

  —So many venomous words.

  He followed me into the tent I usually use for strategy and reports. Pced my hands on the metal table.

  —Soren.

  He stared, like he was unsure why I’d need this much privacy to tell him. I don’t know how he’ll react, but my eyes don’t leave his blue ones.

  —Yeah? You’re scaring me, but tell me everything. I’m with you, Thea. Always. —He murmured back, unwavering. I hope he never betrays me—that’d just be another catastrophic loss.

  —Angelique is betraying us.

  He blinked twice, still processing what I just dropped on him.

  —What? You… You have proof? Are you sure? —His face turned serious. I wasn’t mad at the questions—I understood the weight of my accusation.

  —She always flew under the radar before I put her in charge of supplies. Before I was Sergeant. Remember how many times we went with her to the trenches? The field?

  He shook his head, rubbing his neck and frowning hard.

  —Well… I don’t remember… but she had that condition, right? The one that makes you gain weight even with low calories…

  He nodded thoughtfully, and I agreed. I thought so too—Angelique’s weight had sparked curiosity even before I became Sergeant. But her excuse was pusible—there is a disease like that. But now that I see her more often, it’s obvious.

  —Since we started seeing her more, things became clear. She’s not sick—she’s just healthy. Her skin doesn’t even have a sunspot, Soren. Just think about it.

  He frowned and took several seconds before sighing.

  —You’re right… No point doubting. Sorry, Thea… —I watched his sad face and patted his back. They’d become friends recently, lovers or whatever. Hard to hear, so I pitied his feelings.

  After rubbing his arm gently, I watched him calmly.

  —The question is… who’s she with? —I murmured, studying Soren. Maybe he had an idea who Angelique’s sponsor was.

  Soren sat down, rubbing his chin.

  —Soldiers can’t get anyone out of here without us noticing.

  —Someone powerful enough. But it’s not like we know many high-ranking figures.

  —Just look at everyone who’s ever come here at least once. If she got sponsorship over the years, that person must’ve visited. The king never came.

  —Can’t be him…

  —Who are you thinking of?

  —That bitch! —My fingers clenched into my palm until the blood stopped, then I took a deep breath. —That son of a whore is under that Major bitch’s wing.

  Soren’s eyes widened, and he stood up fast, staring at me like I was spouting nonsense.

  —No. She doesn’t even breathe the same air as us—how could it be her?

  —Damn… just think about it. In the past few years, she’s come here twice—and she’s the only one any of us could’ve gotten close to. Plus, she’s powerful enough to get someone out without us noticing.

  He bit his lip and sighed.

  —You’re right… but now what? What’re you pnning?

  —I’m not killing Angelique, if that’s what you’re thinking. I’ll make that Major bitch hear so many compints about Angel that she’ll deal with the problem herself…

  He frowned like he didn’t fully agree but didn’t argue.

  I’m tired of all this shit. I won’t let my hot head get us all killed… no. We won’t die. Instead… I’ll kill that bitch. I really will.

  I fixed my hair and sighed. Waved at Soren.

  —You can go… don’t tell anyone. I’ll handle this ter.