Neve heard every word that Ryker said from where he stood.
He heard the threat. He heard the coldness in Ryker's voice. He heard the promise of consequences that would come if anyone ever tried to hurt him again.
He almost started tearing up right there.
He was so proud of Ryker that he almost screamed out loud. That's my man! He wanted to shout it to the entire village. He wanted everyone to know that Ryker had chosen him. That Ryker had given up his chieftaincy for him. That Ryker would stand against anyone, even his own tribe, to protect him.
Ryker walked back toward him with his expression completely changed.
The coldness that had been there when he was confronting the elders had disappeared. When he looked at Neve, his eyes were soft again. Gentle. Present.
"Let's go," Ryker said simply.
Neve looked him back in the eye and smiled.
"Let's go," he agreed.
They started to move together toward the cave, but then Neve remembered something.
He stopped walking.
