Chapter 45:
THE BETRAYAL WITHIN
The adventure returned from the western mountains was somber despite the victory. The Shadowborn’s rituals have been disrupted, their forces scattered, but Landon’s final words echoed in my mind: The Heart may be ours. It’s best to count time.
Ethan stayed close to me for the complete experience, his defensive instincts sharper than ever. The weight of the whole lot we’d been through hung closely on each person, however his presence became a steady reminder that I wasn’t alone.
When we arrived at the percent residence, the atmosphere became annoying. The scouts who had remained behind greeted us with grim expressions, their eyes cautious. Gabriel quickly pulled Ethan and me aside.
“There’s been movement close to the northern border,” he said, h
