The night air hung heavy and cold as Alister, Kara, Jules, and Milo pressed forward along the narrow mountain path. Kol was still limping badly, his breath ragged, blood seeping from a deep wound on his side. The others helped him along, but it was clear his strength was fading. His usual cocky grin was gone, replaced by grim determination.
The trees around them swayed in the wind, casting long shadows that seemed to reach for them like dark fingers. Every crackle of dry leaves from anywhere made Alister’s heart jump. The mountain felt alive.
Suddenly, a sharp whistle cut through the night. Alister froze. “Did you hear that?”
Kara’s eyes narrowed. “Bounty hunters. They’re coming.”
From the darkness, figures emerged, moving quickly but silently through the trees. Faces masked, weapons d
