We entered a small clearing with a pond in the center of it, and the trees overhead seemed to frame it, allowing a pool of moonlight to land perfectly on the smooth, flat water. It had been unusually warm today, maybe a sign that Helios was watching my progress, and I counted it lucky because the pond wasn't frozen over tonight.
Dane stood beside it, hands in his pockets as he gazed into the dark forest, his head slightly c****d as if listening to something. He turned toward us as we approached and bowed his head in respect.
I gave him a warm smile. "Thanks for meeting with us."
Harper emerged from the trees in the direction Dane had been looking, her caramel-colored hair tied back in a tight ponytail. "Sorry, I thought I heard something, but it was just a mink. Can't be too careful the
