Caius paced along the edge of the lake, his thoughts racing as the woman’s words echoed in his mind. Her cryptic claim that Karina was in grave danger, coupled with her strange, familiar presence, weighed heavily on him. He had no love for witches—his wariness of them had always been strong, but there was something about this woman that made him pause. If she truly could help Karina, he had no choice but to take the risk.
The woman, still standing at the lake’s edge, watched him silently. Her cool purple eyes were filled with something unreadable, but there was no hint of malice. Caius sighed, making up his mind.
“Follow me,” he ordered. “I’ll take you to her.”
The woman nodded, though she seemed surprised he had agreed so quickly. As they moved through the forest toward Silver Moon’s t
