The hunt began at dawn.
Kael and Elara moved through the grey light like wraiths, their silver-threaded shadows a poor camouflage against the relentless patrols. Stonehaven's warriors had fanned out in disciplined lines, beating the forest with methodical fury. Ronan led one squad, his massive form crashing through undergrowth with grim purpose. Others followed different vectors, all converging on the territory between the temple and the Vale.
"They're herding us," Kael realized, pulling Elara into the hollow of an ancient oak. "Silas knows we'll run for Cassian. He's funnelling us toward a killing ground."
"Then we go around," Elara whispered, her hand pressed against the chain hidden in her tunic. It pulsed faintly, a nervous heartbeat against her skin.
They tried.
For six hours, th
