They returned to the castle just before twilight. No one said much. Ashar had led the way back, quiet, and unreadable, his pace purposeful. Riven trailed behind with Mae, eyes flicking back every few seconds like he wasn’t sure whether to keep joking or run.
When they stepped into the main hall, the others looked up from various seats and corners. The tension that had settled while they were gone tightened the moment the trio crossed the threshold. Lucien stood. “Find anything?”
Ashar didn’t look at anyone as he said, flatly, “No.” Mae blinked, surprised, but said nothing. Sethis narrowed his eyes. “Nothing at all?” Ashar didn’t answer. Riven shrugged, sliding into a seat. “Whole lot of pretty trees and broken rocks. Not a damn thing worth noting.” Mae hesitated. She felt it, too, that d
