Morning came and at first I felt relief that I woke alone. After tending the fire, I took up the bucket for more water, only to stop short when Ragnvald strode out of the forest towards me.
“I wasn’t running,” I stammered. “I merely wanted fresh water.”
The blond warrior c****d his head as if trying to understand. I backed away, and he went still, like a wolf scenting his prey.
There was no humanity in the golden gaze.
“Ragnvald, it’s me. Sabine.”
Eyes bright, Ragnvald started towards me, so focused on stalking me he didn’t see Maddox until the tattooed warrior caught his shoulder.
Whirling, Ragnvald snarled at him, and Maddox pounced. They tussled, and I bit my lip to hold back a scream. Taller by a head, Ragnvald fought forward, but Maddox wrenched him back, keeping his body betwee
