My stomach flutters with alarm. The fire in my spine springs to life with a speed that threatens to break free. I turn, expecting to see Lycur or one of his men, but it’s not them I see. I’m on my feet the second that the men emerge from the trees, instinctively pulling Lyva behind me towards the water. She growls.
The sound comes from deep within her, recognising the threat before us. This isn’t supposed to happen. They’re not supposed to be here. I don’t know who these men are. I look around in panic. Where are the guards or Lycur's men?
There are seven men that step out from the trees. They move towards us in an arc, blocking our escape from both sides. My heart jumps to my throat as I take in their clothing and appearance. They are Avarian.
“You are trespassing.” I state daringly
