Chapter FiveThe woods were deep, old growth, and Alaric and Mason followed a path that seemed to mark a boundary of sorts. Mason could still feel a barrier that they had passed through shortly after their last stop. Alaric hadn't said anything more about what he knew or didn't know. In fact, they'd hardly spoken at all.
The path they followed was shaded and cool, but Mason was starting to feel the effects of daylight and he reached out for Alaric's shoulder. “Break.”
Alaric nodded and stopped, then pointed to the shade of a large tree. Mason moved off the path and leaned into the tree, willing his lungs to stop protesting and his body to cool down.
“There's water in the valley.” Alaric said quietly, his hand on Mason's. “We can wait for nightfall if you need.”
Mason shook his head. “Ju
