I nodded, conserving my breath. We'd been traveling for hours since abandoning the transport vehicle at the old logging road. Maya had warned us that Magnus Terra could track their vehicles, so we continued on foot, following game trails and waterways to mask our scent.
Our dwelling appeared through the trees, a dark silhouette against the starlit sky. The sight of it sent conflicting emotions through me as relief at reaching familiar territory, but also dread. This was no longer a safe haven. It was the first place they would look for us.
"Wait," Redmon whispered, pulling me behind a large oak. His nostrils flared as he scented the air. "Someone's been here."
My hand moved to the pouch of defensive herbs at my belt. "Magnus Terra?"
He shook his head. "Different scent. Familiar."
We approached cautiously, circling the property to check for signs of surveillance or traps. When we reached the back of the cottage, a soft light flickered through the kitchen window.
"Selene," I breathed, recognizing my sister's silhouette.
Redmon tensed. "She should be at the safe house with Maya."
"Unless something went wrong." Fear gripped me. We'd separated at the river crossing, Selene going with Maya while we led any potential pursuers in the opposite direction.
"I'll go first," Redmon said, his voice leaving no room for argument.
He tiptoed to the back door, testing it gently. It opened without resistance. I followed close behind, a defensive powder ready in my palm.
The kitchen was warm and surprisingly undisturbed. Selene sat at the table with an older woman from our terramares, Vera, our neighbor who had often watched over Selene when I was gathering herbs.
"Kaly!" Selene leapt from her chair, throwing herself into my arms. "You made it!"
I held her tight, breathing in her familiar scent. "What are you doing here? You were supposed to stay with Maya."
"We couldn't," Selene pulled back, her eyes bright with excitement. "We found allies. People who want to help."
Vera stood, her weathered face creasing into a smile. "The neighbors have been protecting her. When those Magnus Terra officials came looking, we told them we hadn't seen either of you for days."
Redmon locked the door behind us. "It's not safe here. They'll return with tracking equipment, more guards."
"That's why we need to move quickly," Vera said. "Others are waiting. People who stand with you."
"What people?" I asked, suspicion warring with hope.
"From both communities," Selene explained. "Humans from the terramares who've lost family to the matching program. Monsters from Redmon's tribe who question the Council's authority. They've been meeting in secret for months."
I exchanged a glance with Redmon. "How many?"
"Enough to make a difference," Vera said firmly. "But we need your evidence. The data you stole from the facility."
I reached into my pack, pulling out the precious data chip Maya had given me, along with additional files we'd downloaded during our escape. "It's all here. Everything about the breeding program, the genetic experiments, the children they're creating."
Vera nodded grimly. "Good. The meeting starts in an hour. Just enough time to gather what you need from here."
While Redmon kept watch, I moved through our dwelling, collecting essential supplies. Medicines from my greenhouse, clothing, weapons, and the few personal items that mattered. Each room held memories now, both painful and precious.
In the bedroom, I paused, fingers trailing over the quilt where Redmon and I had first truly connected. So much had changed since then. The monster who was once my captor had become my protector, my partner, my...
I couldn't quite name what we were to each other now. The word "mate" felt insufficient, tainted by Magnus Terra's manipulation. What had grown between us was something else entirely, something chosen, not imposed.
"We need to go," Redmon said softly from the doorway, breaking my reverie.
I nodded, shouldering my pack. "I'm ready."
The meeting place was an abandoned mill on the boundary between human and monster territories, its crumbling walls providing natural camouflage against surveillance. As we approached, I was stunned by the number of figures moving in the shadows, far more than I'd expected.
