“Copy that.Switching to night vision.”
The hunters weren’t bumbling anymore; they were adapting.
Jago nudged Sienna again, and she slipped away stealthily.It took them over half an hour to navigate the village, dodging hunters and wary locals, before reaching home.
Those who had beaten the hunters back were there—Sophie, her father, Sophie’s mother, and her siblings.They huddled in a tight group, seeking comfort in each other after their ordeal.Sophie clung to her mother, her slight frame trembling.
Mama and Papa were busy brewing tea, passing cups around with Jamie’s help.
Where was Liam?Kitto and Calan?
Sophie’s two uncles arrived, breathless and red-faced.They scanned the group, relief flooding them when they spotted Sophie.
Jago had shifted and changed, then joined Sienna when she stepped outside.
“I can’t see Liam, Kitto, or Calan.”
“They’ll be here,” Jago said.
His confidence didn’t ease the fear flooding Sienna.
“But we heard shots fired.Those men had guns.”
“Everyone else is here.We took longer because we had to dodge hunters in the village.The boss man has everyone on high alert, so they probably had to backtrack to avoid hunters.Don’t worry.They’ll be here.”
Jago was right.
Sienna scanned the foggy path to the village.The mist hung low, typical for this time of year.
“We were lucky with the weather.”
“True.At least Sophie seems none the worse for her ordeal,” Jago said, frowning.“But it’s not safe for them to return home.Those hunters act like they’re above the law.”
“We might’ve made things worse.Even here, it’s dangerous.The boss man saw leopards and will wonder why his hunters have spotted so many around town.”
“He will if he’s got any sense,” Jago agreed.“We should move up our plans.Pack up and leave Stoneford—even if Pa refuses.”
Sienna shook her head even though she agreed with her brother.“Papa loves the land.He always says as long as we pay taxes, no one can take it.”
“This will be hard, but Liam’s right.With hunters here, we must adapt.”
“But money…” Sienna’s worry returned.“We barely have enough to rent a vehicle.The mayor started this mess—I should ask him for help.”
“Shifter families have been leaving all day.At least, that’s my guess.The village was unusually quiet, with only hunters out.”
“They will if they’re smart,” Sienna said.“Do you think Liam, Calan, and Kitto are okay?”Jago nodded, one ear pricked from beneath his hair.“Liam’s clever.He’ll watch over our brothers.”
“Should we search for them?”
“No, wait longer.Returning to the rental now would put us in danger.You heard the man in charge—his orders showed how seriously he takes this.”
“His arrogance,” Sienna muttered.“He won’t give up.Money and power are his weapons, and no one who stands in his way will win.”
“That, too,” Jago said.“I’m going to talk to Sophie—see what she remembers about her time with the hunters.”
“I’ll help Ma.”Sienna needed to gauge her parents’ feelings.She hated the thought of forcing them from their home, but staying was dangerous.
Sienna moved among the group, mentally making a list of necessities.Clothes and food, of course, but also the goods her father and brother had crafted, the paints and ribbons for hearts, and any tools her father deemed essential.
