Theodora’s face softened as she turned to her daughter. “I wasn’t idling, child. I’ve been busy gathering what knowledge I could. And when I entered this hall, I got my confirmation.”
Fawn’s pulse leapt. “Confirmation of what?”
Theodora’s eyes slid to Rhodes, her voice dropping to a near whisper. “A witch is here—one with powerful ties to warlocks. That much is clear. We must go into the woods. There are things that must be spoken of where no witch nor warlock can overhear.”
Rhodes’s jaw tightened, his body taut as a drawn bow. “We will go nowhere. Not until I am sure of what we face.” His gaze cut to Fawn, fierce and unrelenting. “And you will remain here. I’ll not have you wandering into whatever trap she leads us toward.”
Fawn’s chin lifted, her spine straight, her shoulders drawn back. “I will not be left behind, Rhodes. This concerns me as much as it does you. More so, if witches and warlocks are near.”
“You’ll do as I say,” he snapped, his voice rough with command. “I will keep you safe from danger, whether you agree or not.”
Before Fawn could retort, Theodora let out a sharp, impatient sigh. “Oh, for goodness’ sake. It isn’t Fawn who is in danger, Rhodes… it is you.”
The words struck like an axe to stone. The fire popped in the hearth, shadows leaping across the walls, and for a moment it was as if the room held its breath.
Rhodes stared at her, his dark eyes stormy.
Fawn felt her stomach knot, her hand instinctively reaching for his arm, as though her touch alone might anchor him against the sudden chill that swept through the chamber.
The heavy door slammed open, and Boyce stumbled inside, his voice ringing with alarm. “The ravens—they’ve returned, my lord! And more of them. They flood the trees, black as night though daytime fills the gray skies. Women cry and men call out for you. You must do something!”
Rhodes’s jaw hardened, but before he could speak, Fawn turned to her mother, her eyes sharp with suspicion.
“Do you know anything of these ravens?”
Theodora’s head snapped up, her tone crisp. “Nay. But I know the master who keeps them. I can take you to him. They will follow, for they are bound to his will. But you and Rhodes must come with me, no other may come with us.”
“That is folly,” Boyce barked, stepping forward, his eyes wide with alarm. “My lord, let me go with you. The clan needs?—”
“The clan needs its leader,” Rhodes cut in, his voice as sharp as a whip. He stepped toward Boyce, his tone lowering but no less fierce. “And that is me. It is my duty to save them, not to cower behind them.”
Boyce’s mouth worked as though to argue, but the weight of Rhodes’s command had him holding his tongue. He bowed his head, though his hands clenched at his sides as he said, “I will inform the clan that you intend to find the witch and see her dealt with.”
Fawn slipped closer to Rhodes, her voice a whisper as Boyce left the hall. “Trust my mum.”
He bent his head, his breath warm against her ear. “Trust a witch?” The word was edged, bitter, yet laced with conflict.
She turned her face to his, her eyes holding his steady. “You not only trust a witch, Rhodes. You love one.”
The words hit him harder than a blade, reminding him how he had yet to come to terms with it, and he gave a curt nod, sealing his choice.
They left the hall together, Theodora striding ahead, Rhodes and Fawn at her side, Sprig having been left behind, Fawn concerned for his safety. The village had gathered in the snow-laden square, faces pale, eyes lifted to the sky where branches were bent beneath the weight of black wings. Ravens shifted and cawed, the sound a ceaseless, menacing chorus.
Rhodes stopped in the center of the square, his presence a wall of strength. His deep voice carried over the clamor, ringingwith command. “Hear me! I go to battle the witch who threatens us. Until I return, you are safe. The ravens follow me, and I will not fail you.”
The villagers stilled, breath caught in their throats, as his words rolled like thunder through them. And then, as if answering his vow, the ravens shifted as one, wings beating, their black tide rising from the trees.
A stunned gasp swept through the crowd as the creatures wheeled overhead, then followed—dark shadows trailing the trio as they disappeared into the forest.
The forest swallowed them whole, the deeper they went the louder the ravens cawed overhead, until their wings beat like drums against the sky. Theodora led with swift, sure steps, her cloak whispering over the snow. Rhodes kept Fawn close at his side, every muscle in him taut, his hand never far from his sword hilt.
They broke into a clearing, the trees leaning like dark sentinels, the air heavy with menace. There, at its center, stood a figure cloaked in shadow. Broad shoulders, silver hair catching the faint daylight, and eyes that glowed with a power that made the earth itself seem to still.
Fawn froze, her heart slamming against her ribs. Recognition hit with the force of a blade.
“Da…” The word rasped out of her, thin, trembling. She turned on her mother, fury lacing her voice. “You tricked us!”
Theodora said nothing, her lips pressed tight, her gaze fastened on the man before them.
