NIGHT CAME QUICKLY, giving the group little time to distance themselves from what was left of Nov’Eit. Using the Seven Mile River as a guide, they continued on well into the night before finally settling down in a deep ravine. With the height of the trees on each side, limited smoke would be detected from a campfire. The group remained by the river for some time to wash their blood-stained hands and clothes. Caia finished and started toward the camp when Solin stopped her.
“I don’t want you to be alone with him,” he said, gesturing toward Archai at the camp.
Caia followed his eyes and frowned. “Solin, he can’t be avoided. He’s my guardian now.”
“You heard what Dy’Mün said. Archai is known for things we should not accept. The way he looks at you and Naoni—it worries me.”
“Solin,” Naoni
