A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust novel Chapter 965

Damien fixed his gaze on Nigel, his eyes thoughtful. “We’re after the same thing, Mr. Howell. You know as well as I do Stormgard is no safe haven. Another person means another set of skills to help us out.”

“I’ve been to Stormgard before. I may not know everything, but I’ve heard plenty from Mr. Stewart—I have a solid grasp of the power dynamics over there. I’m certain I can help.”

“Protecting Calliope is our top priority. So let’s not waste time arguing about anything else.”

“I could arrange my own transport if I wanted, but your way will be faster. That’s the only reason I came to you in the first place.” Damien met Nigel’s eyes with sincerity. “I haven’t let past differences keep me from seeking your help, so I hope you won’t leave me behind.”

“If we need to split up when we get there, that’s fine by me. Consider it—personally—an IOU from me to you, Mr. Howell.”

Nigel regarded Damien with some surprise. He hadn’t realized Silas’s men cared about Calliope at all. If anything, he’d always assumed they looked down on her.

“You care this much about what happens to Calliope?”

“Even Silas probably doesn’t care that much. He’s off busy with other women.”

“I care a lot,” Damien said, unwavering. “She means something special to all of us. And she’s… she’s genuinely formidable.”

“She’s always treated us well, too.”

“Even without Mr. Myers’ orders, I’d put everything on the line to protect Calliope.”

“And aren’t you just as concerned about her, Nigel?”

“I know you’re not just doing this to spite Mr. Myers. Calliope has her own kind of charm. She’s impossible not to like.”

Nigel stayed silent, watching Damien for a long moment before finally nodding. “Alright. If you want in, then come along. It’s not like I have anything to lose.”

A faint, crooked smile tugged at Nigel’s mouth. At first, he’d thought she’d saved him just to get his attention—to lure him in. But it turned out she hadn’t meant anything like that. And then, she’d turned around and saved him again.

It was as if she were his good luck charm—good things happened whenever she was near.

He’d started out wanting to take her from Silas just out of bloodymindedness. Now, though, his interest in her had deepened. She was truly fascinating.

And he certainly didn’t want to see her in any danger. He wanted to protect her—he wanted her to look at him, to care about him. Honestly, he wouldn’t mind a wife like that.

If Silas kept screwing up and let her slip away, well, Nigel would have no problem stepping in to claim a woman as brilliant as her for himself.

Back in his room, Damien quickly packed his things. Then he made his way to Portia’s door and knocked.

“Ms. Sutton, I’m heading out too. I’ll be traveling with Nigel’s group. Just wanted to say goodbye.”