The others washed and drank as well. I kept to myself, curling into a ball under a tree and falling asleep in moments.
My weariness must’ve been too deep for dreams, because all I found was darkness.
Then Aiden was squeezing my shoulder. “Kiera. We’re back.”
I sat up groggily. Night had fallen. The stream bubbled cheerfully next to me.
“Back?” I croaked. Gods, how long had I slept?
“Jek and I scouted Calimber.”
Something in his voice blew away the fog clouding my mind.
“And?” I asked. “Is it bad?”
“It’s not good. It’s as your sister’s lover said—there’s a whole army encampment surrounding the mine entrance. Guards on horseback run a perimeter around the camp. I assume the town, which lies even further south, is also overrun.”
I bit my lip. “So, how are you going to get in?”
“We need a distraction.”
Chapter 28
Kiera
Two Shadow-Wolves steppedout from behind the bushes.
My heart climbed into my throat, even though I knew it was just Aiden and Maz in disguise. But the snarling metal masks still sent a bolt of fear through me.
“Fucking Four, that’s eerie,” Ruru muttered.
The slimmer one—Aiden—stopped in front of me. Even though the mask had eye holes, I couldn’t see his eyes.
I fought the urge to run.
His gloved hand clasped mine. “Be careful,” he said, his voice distorted behind the metal. “Remember, if we’re not out by dawn, go back to Yargoth.”
Before I could question myself, I threw my arms around his shoulders and hugged him tightly, the silky cloth cool on my cheek. Aiden embraced me as if he’d been waiting for this very moment. His masked chin nestled into my neck, sending tiny shivers across my skin.
Gods, this was strange. But I might never get another chance.
“Don’t get caught, my little thief,” he whispered before pulling away.
“Never,” I said with a brave smile.
He moved to Nikella, who grasped his arms and whispered something to him.
I hurried over to hug Maz, my worry nearly choking me.
“Protect, lovely,” he rumbled in my ear.
I blinked back tears. “Protect, Maz. Make sure you both come back.”
He dipped his head, his mask flashing in the bare moonlight.
Yarina grasped his arm. “Remember, don’t say a word. No swearing. No threats. Just wave your sunstone shit around, and people will do what you want.”
“I’ll try my best,” he said dryly, rolling his shoulders, as if nervous.
