Sunbeam Lair Heaven and Hell

semi-rushed mobile post, pardon any typos

On Donovan walked, entranced by the plants as though their mere sight had an addictive hold. Baptiste? The name was unfamiliar but from context alone Finley could tell he was a healer. Not a bad addition to their ranks—

Donovan’s next question took her entirely off-guard. Where in hell had he gotten that idea? They hadn’t spoken proper since Ravensblood; it felt like a lifetime ago but Finley vaguely recalled a related tease, something about him being annoying and her joking in turn. Had she a tad more self-awareness she might have realized her defensive, tight-lipped guard was held around everyone, especially leadership, and this may have given Donovan the… impression.

Whether it was the wrong impression, Finley couldn’t honestly say. She shook her head nonetheless. “If anything, you’ve given me the invitation to do the opposite.” His demeanor gave away nothing but genuine curiosity. “Talking back to one’s leader would be a fool’s errand.” The statement came as flatly as she’d remarked on the plants: obvious, far as Finley was concerned, and nothing remarkable.