Kane woke to shouting outside his tent and grabbed his blade before he was even fully upright.
"It's not an attack!" Talyn's voice called quickly. "Kane, it's not an attack, come look!"
Kane pushed outside, tense, and found the camp gathered near the cave entrance, all eyes fixed on Marek, who stood alone before the softly glowing light, hands raised, already speaking words Kane didn't recognize.
"What's happening," Kane said, moving fast toward the group.
"He didn't wait," Ottilie said, worry plain on her face. "He woke before dawn and just walked in. Said he'd made his decision."
Kane's stomach dropped. "Marek, stop."
Marek turned slightly, his weathered face calm despite the tears in his eyes. "I've thought about it all night, Kane. This is right. My people have carried this burde
