Bab 137: Horrors of Hell [5]

"Is it really smart to rest here?"

Yelena asked, watching Azriel slump against one of the cold stone walls. They'd been walking for gods know how long.

He waved his hand dismissively.

"Trust me, we're not getting any safer the farther we go. It's better to gamble and rest now. We'll need our strength for what's ahead."

Sighing, Yelena slid down beside him, resting her bow by her side and hugging her knees. For a moment, they sat in silence, and when she glanced at him, she saw he was watching her with tired eyes.

She thought, 'Even someone like him, always so sure of himself, looks worn down.'

Rumors swirled around Azriel—too many to count. He was one of the most talked-about people she knew. And yet, he rarely acted the part, never seemed to live up or down to any of the stories.

"So... how do you know?" she asked again, softer this time.