Chapter 233

IGNATIUS NEVER USUALLY SLEPT ON the eve of battle but the warmth Cat created soothed him into a lull. A firm hand on his shoulder made him jerk awake, body reacting instantly, and he flipped Cat onto the ground behind him.

'Peace, Ignatius,' said an amused voice. 'It's Cat's turn to shield.'

The dim light from the lamp Sabyn offered showed the faint smile he wore when he handed the torch over before disappearing in the dark. Behind Ignatius, Cat muttered as she staggered to her feet and he reached to steady her before realizing he clutched a dagger.

He slid it back in its sheath and caught her arm. 'Sorry about that, are you good to shield?'

'Yes,' she said in a dazed voice before shaking her head. 'Do we need to move from here?'

'I suppose not.'

They settled back next to Loushka and Cat worked at her shield. It fascinated Ignatius to watch and see the differences between her shield and Kassie's. It made him appreciate the varying nuances amongst the different elements. The faint