Nia’s Pov
A few seconds passed before she finally spoke, her voice quieter now but still carrying that edge. “Since we’re all staying back to continue tomorrow,” she said, avoiding my eyes, “there are some houses that weren’t damaged by the attack. The others plan to rest there until morning.” She glanced toward the distant shapes of old, half-standing houses in the dim light. “We can head to one of them. Rowan will join us shortly.”
I studied her face, trying to decide if this sudden change in tone meant she’d dropped the attitude or if she was just tired of arguing. Probably both. Either way, I didn’t want to give her the satisfaction of thinking she’d gotten under my skin.
“Very well,” I said finally, keeping my voice even. “Lead the way.”
She turned without a word and started walki
