The trees whispered in the dark as Rhea plunged deeper into the forest. Shadows gathered around her shoulders like a heavy cloak, but she moved without a second of hesitation. The night no longer frightened her.
Every single step carried weight and purpose. Eli was out there somewhere in the wilderness, and with him came a terrible, creeping danger.
At the edge of the lower ridge, Lucci and Ronan waited beside a small circle of scouts.
There were five scouts in total including Rhea: Garrin, grim as always; Isla’s younger sister Vira; an older woman named Noma, with bold streaks of silver running through her dark hair and a heavy hunting crossbow slung across her back; and Kael, the quietest scout of the group.
"You're taking your time," Ronan noted, his voice flat and observant.
"I'
