The group limped their way back through the forest. Kieran leaned on Luka for support, though he was recovering fast thanks to Elena’s blood. Elena stayed close, watching every shadow, every movement in the trees.
They reached the entrance of the Blackwood territory before sunrise.
Mira met them at the gates, gasping when she saw the blood on Elena’s clothes and Kieran’s pale face.
“What happened?” she asked, rushing towards them.
“Selene,” Luka said. “She betrayed us. Tried to kill him.”
Mira’s looked angry. “I warned you she was dangerous.”
“She’s more than dangerous,” Elena said. “She’s gone mad.”
They brought Kieran to his room, laid him down gently. Mira cleaned his wounds, but most were already healing thanks to Elena.
When Mira left to fetch herbs, Elena sat beside Kieran’s
