The woods brooded a dark ocean of shadows and tangles. The air inside was damp with the faintest scent of moss and decay.
The undergrowth crashed harshly against my boots, while my every step fell with resolution and fear. Beside me, Evelyn walked wordlessly, on her face, a mask of determination, though I could glimpse tension in her facial lines.
“Keep your wits about you,” I whispered to her slowly, “We don’t know what’sing for us.”
She silently, followed by the warriors that came with me, each of them volunteered for this mission, knowing full well the dangers.
Still, I couldn’t get rid of that nagging voice in my head which told me I was walking them into an ambush.
My thoughts drifted back to Dane, lying pale and still in his quarters. His weak voice reyed in my mind: Don’t leave me. The memory twisted my heart, guilt and frustration warring within me.
Trajan broke the silence. “You’re quieter than usual.”
I nced at him, the concern in his eyes piercing through my
defenses. “Just thinking.”
“About him?”
I didn’t answer, but the tightening of my grip on my dagger was enough of a response.
“He’s tough, Aurora,” Trajan said gently. “If anyone can fight through this, it’s him.”
“I agree with Trajan, don’t worry much about him,” Evelyn added as she nudged my slightly.
I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Let’s hope so.”
With every step we made, the forest was growing denser; the canopy was blotting out most of the moonlight above.
Darkness danced across our path, and every time a twig snapped, I felt my heart jump. Then one of the warriors. muttered, “We’re being watched.”
“I know,” I replied with the same words, but in a totally different tone while inside I felt a shiver run down my spine.
A sudden whistle of air was the only warning before a trap was sprung. Aunched from the ground, ensnaring one of our group and hoisting him into the air.
“Hold still!” Trajan shouted, rushing to cut the ropes, he set the
warrior fee.