Kade's POV
"Stay here."
I didn't wait for Elara to argue.
I stepped into the forest, following the faint scent that had lingered near the healer's hut.
Liam was beside me before I reached the first line of trees.
"You really think someone was watching her?"
"I know someone was."
"Could be an animal."
I glanced at him.
"Animals don't leave witch-thread behind."
Liam's expression tightened.
"True."
We continued deeper into the forest.
Snow covered most of the ground, but the storm had left enough undisturbed patches for tracks to remain visible.
I crouched.
There.
One set of footprints.
Small.
Light.
Someone had been standing near the hut.
Watching.
I followed them.
Ten yards.
Twenty.
Then they split.
I stopped.
Liam came to my side.
"What?"
I pointed.
Two sets o
