Change of Darkness (The Change Series Book 3) by Jacinta Jade (best new books to read txt) 📕

were, like her, simply ravenous. She pressed on anyway, knowing they had better err on the side of caution. ‘Why so much food today?’

‘Because they nearly starved us these last few days?’ responded Kovi dryly, edging towards the closest barrel.

Genlie nodded. ‘Herrin’s been looking far too relaxed this morning—I figure he’s going to be putting us through some really taxing drills later. And if we’re well fed, then he’ll have no excuse for berating us when we can’t keep up.’

Siray chewed her bottom lip. It made sense. The Faction couldn’t afford them to be weak from hunger with this level of training. And she was hungry.

She relaxed slightly as Baindan strode past Kovi and Genlie and, stepping up to one barrel, reached in and grabbed a large portion. Smiling at the others, he raised it to his mouth and took a bite.

His grateful sigh as he chewed the mouthful had Siray and the others moving quickly up to the barrels as well.

Eagerly grabbing her own portion and biting into it, Siray closed her eyes as the warmth and taste of the meal flooded her mouth, even as her stomach growled again. Swallowing, she felt the food slide down her throat and settle into her complaining stomach. She sighed happily. Herrin could throw whatever challenges he wanted at them that afternoon. With a full stomach of warm food, Siray knew she could handle it.

Her friends also eating contentedly, Siray pivoted around to look down the other end of the arena. Some of the other captives had followed Wexner and were now standing around the same barrels and eating their portions. She eyed them closely, but all were calm and relaxed. Even as she watched, one of them finished off their portion and went back to the barrel for another.

As Siray swallowed the last of her own meal, she realised that they could all have multiple portions if they wished, with so much food available this time around. Yet as she turned back to the barrels to do just that, she wrestled with herself. If yesterday afternoon was anything to go by, then eating a large amount of food at this point would not be a good idea.

She said as much when she saw Tamot going back to the barrel for seconds. ‘I wouldn’t eat more than the one. I’m sure Herrin has something planned for this afternoon; otherwise they wouldn’t be giving out food so freely. And I don’t suppose he’ll look kindly on anyone not able to perform weapons drills just because they end up sick from being too full.’

Tamot paused in his path back to the barrel, and Siray could see the war waging within him. Freely available food, in a place where food wasn’t always guaranteed, versus being unable to function well later.

The need to survive won out over his stomach’s desire for further gratification.

As he turned away from the barrels, Siray saw Tamot pause again. ‘We might need to move away from here,’ he said, his gaze fixed on something beyond her.

She turned. Captives from the other end of the arena were walking quickly across the sand towards them. Obviously already having eaten at least one portion, they were keen to get a second.

‘Agreed,’ said Baindan quickly, already beginning to move.

At the third group of barrels, Wexner’s group had also noted the advance of the other captives and were making their way across the middle of the arena, food portions in hand, to the one section without any barrels.

Siray’s group began to do the same, moving briskly away from the still-steaming food but not so fast that the other captives thought them afraid—that would just make them look weak.

Once they reached the spot Wexner’s group was occupying, the two units stood together and waited, watching the other captives mill around and, at times, brawl over the plentiful food.

Curious, Siray scanned the faces she could see, pausing when she found the one she had unconsciously been seeking.

Melora was holding position at the first group of barrels, the other four members of her unit all standing around the food, apparently acting as gatekeepers.

Seemingly sensing someone’s eyes on her, Melora raised her gaze, and Siray watched as the female looked around the arena. Saw the moment Melora’s eyes stopped on Siray’s group. On Zale.

Suddenly, Melora’s gaze snapped to meet Siray’s, her glare a challenge from across the sand.

And just as suddenly, Siray felt like accepting that challenge.

‘Hey.’

Baindan’s voice jolted Siray from her thoughts, and she looked at him, startled.

‘You okay?’

‘Yeah,’ she said a little uncertainly. Then she gave him a small smile. ‘Yeah, I’m fine.’

Baindan took a step closer to her, glanced back at the others quickly, then lowered his voice as he turned back to say, ‘I know this might not be the best time to ask, but I’m going to ask you anyway.’ He paused to take a breath. ‘Is there something between you and Zale?’ Baindan’s gaze was almost electric.

Siray felt annoyance rise as she looked at him. ‘You’re right—this isn’t the best time to ask.’

She spun away from him, intending to go talk with one of the others, but Baindan grabbed quickly, and a little roughly, at her arm. ‘Siray, tell me. Is there something between the two of you?’

Siray’s ire was rising quickly, and she peered back over her shoulder, meaning to tell him to leave her alone, but they were interrupted.

‘Is something wrong?’

Zale’s voice was light, but Siray could hear the tone that promised danger beneath the lightness.

Baindan released Siray’s arm, but he barely acknowledged Zale as he said, ‘Nothing’s wrong. Siray and I were just talking. Privately.’

Zale crossed his arms as he planted his feet, his face growing imperious. ‘Didn’t appear that way to me. Looks like Siray didn’t actually feel like continuing whatever discussion it was you think you were having.’

Baindan was now wheeling around to face Zale, his back stiffening as he glared at the other male.

Siray felt a thrill run through her as she watched the pair face-off against each