Kelly was the first to see Ryker when he returned to the cave.
He was walking out of the bedroom area, having just stored the fabrics in the unfamiliar box that served as a wardrobe. When his eyes landed on Ryker, he stopped immediately.
Ryker's chest was bare.
The cowries chain that had been around his neck, the symbol of his chieftaincy, was gone.
"Were you stripped of your chieftaincy?" Kelly asked carefully.
"Is it obvious?" Ryker asked, his voice flat.
Kelly walked closer and his expression grew concerned.
"Oh no," he muttered. "I do hope that Neve doesn't feel sad because of it."
"He can't blame himself," Ryker said firmly. "I chose him over it. I made the decision myself, so he can't feel sad about it."
He walked toward the kitchen and peeked inside. "Where is Cael?"
"He went out," Kelly said. "He said he needed to find something to hunt. Even though there's plenty of food stored in there."
"He probably needs to cool his head," Ryker said.
