The innkeeper said nothing as he swapped the reins of the horse for the bag of Evren’s coin. His hand flexed when he passed the bag over. He’d almost saved enough to take a ship to Scandavi or even farther. But there was no way he had enough for Tallulah as well, and there wasnowayhe was leaving without her.
“Thank you.” Evren pulled the horse closer to him. He checked the saddlebags briefly, ensuring the supplies they’d need to venture into the woods for several days were there. Satisfied, he extended his hand. The innkeeper watched him, not offering any words, before gripping his hand in a firm shake.
Evren mounted the horse, and the faintest slice of sunlight cut through the dark sky. He was running behind.
“Good luck, Captain Fletcher,” the innkeeper said, startling Evren.
He glanced back at him, just as he raised a pipe to his teeth. Nodding, he turned for the square, heeling the horse in the sides to make it to Tallulah as quickly as possible.
Money well spent.The horse raced through Davenport and through the forest until the cliff side where he’d saved Tallulah came into view.
Almost there.
Evren sighed, unclenching his fists from the reins for the first time since he’d left the city.
He was sure she’d know where to meet him. The sea and the earth collided perfectly here, their meeting seamless and endless all at the same time. He only wished he wasn’t late. The cold was bitter, causing an ache in his wounded leg. He thought of Tallulah traveling by foot and was relieved again that he’d left her his cloak.
The mare’s dark coat glistened under the sun as Evren tied her reins to a nearby tree. His breaths were visible, tiny clouds of white. He cupped his hands and breathed into them a few times for extra warmth as he scanned the area for any sign of Tallulah.
But the water was unusually still. The leaves, unruffled. The muddy paths, mostly unturned.
He took several laps around the trees, taking the time to peer over the cliff side. Relief and worry warred when he didn’t see her on the other side, where the jagged rock lay below.
She is just running behind. Just as he was that morning.
After checking the small fishing shanty, he found a dry spot against a large oak tree and sat, watching the distant waves ripple across the dark gray water.
An hour passed and Evren’s worry became a panic.
“Tallulah!” he called into the woods. He didn’t give a damn if anyone heard him.
“Fuck,” he mumbled when he got no response.
Quickly, he untied the horse and climbed into the saddle, intent on venturing all the way to the greenhouse.
A scream sounded in the distance. His heart stilled.
Then another, and another.
He knew that scream because he’d heard it more than once.
“Go!” He pressed his heels into the mare until they were bolting straight toward the noise. Straight toward Tallulah.
* * *
“Please.”Tallulah struggled to breathe through the bruised ribs she was sure she had. She clutched her sides, burying her face into the dirt before the men could kick her again.
“On your feet, witch.”
She pressed her body further and further into the earth, begging Mother Gaia, begging anyone to listen to her pleas.
Tallulah should’ve known they’d find her. The hunters who Evren had saved her from. But as soon as she passed the threshold of the forest, there they were. As if they were waiting. As if theyknewshe’d be there. Her mind quickly sprang to Evren. He was the only other person who knew their plan.
He wouldn’t do this, would he?
“I said on your feet.” One of the hunters slammed his boot against her ribs again.
She screamed, the crack of bone echoed through the distant trees. Before she could catch her breath, she was hauled to her feet. One man on either side, their firm grip on her elbows a momentary distraction from the pain she felt in her ribs. Her knees gave way, her legs dragging limply behind her as they pulled her toward Davenport. Her heart raced and her head spun.
