“We need to split up,” Draven ordered, his voice low but commanding. The dense trees surrounding us whispered ominously as if the Black Hollow itself was alive and eager to consume us.
“No.” I tightened my grip on the silver dagger in my hand, feeling its cold weight against my palm. “We stay together. If the witches ambush us, we’re stronger as one.”
His dark eyes flicked to mine, frustration evident in the sharp set of his jaw. “This isn’t a negotiation, Liana.”
I matched his glare. “Neither is saving those hostages. And you know I’m right.”
A muscle ticked in his cheek, but before he could argue further, Kael interrupted, his voice grim. “Movement up ahead.”
We fell silent, instinctively lowering ourselves into defensive stances. The thick fog that clung to the forest floor swirled
