“It is?”
“Yes, silly. The hunt. We’re getting ready to leave now.”
Aloisia gaped, realisation dawning on her. The hunt. She had forgotten.
“By your expression, I’m guessing it actually was a coincidence?” Her smile slipped.
“No.” Aloisia shook her head. “I just… I need to do something. I’ll be back in a moment.”
“We’re leaving soon, Lis. Maybe five or ten minutes. Can’t it wait?”
Aloisia pushed past her, making for the woods. “No, it can’t.” It had already been too long. The blue flame might have gone already.
Someone caught her arm, and she turned.
Mavka.
“Where are you going?” the lead huntress asked. “We have a hunt. Now.”
“I’ll be right back. I need to do this. It’s about Fynn.”
“You have a commitment. This is your duty, here and now. I understand what you’re going through—”
“No, I don’t think you do. He’s my brother. I need to help him. I have to go. Now.” Aloisia tugged free of her, racing towards the trees.
“Halt,” Dhara called. “Stay right where you are.”
Aloisia stopped in her tracks, not daring to disobey her. Yet.
“What is this?” Dhara asked.
“Nothing to be worried about,” Mavka said. “Aloisia will be joining us for the hunt.”
Dhara raised an auburn brow. “That’s not what it looked like. In fact, it looked as if she were actively running away from her duties.”
“I just need to do something.” Aloisia glanced to the woods, unable to see any sign of the blue light. “I’ll be right back.”
Mavka shot her a warning glare.
“No, you will join us. Now.” Dhara crossed her arms, her ice blue gaze piercing.
“Please, it’s for my brother—”
“What of your sisters here? What of your duty to our town?”
“If I were to sit this one out, I’m sure I wouldn’t be missed.” Aloisia could have bitten her tongue off for letting those words slip out.
“Is that so?” Dhara smirked. “Do you think so little of your position here? Is that the credence you hold yourself to?”
“I didn’t mean—”
“I’m sure you didn’t.” Dhara stalked towards her. “You have a duty here. You have a job to do. I expect you to join us on this hunt and fulfil your obligations as one of the Chosen Seven of the Huntress. If not, there are plenty willing to take your place.”
“I take my job seriously. You know I do. But I need to do something first.” Aloisia’s fingers twitched. With each passing moment, her chances of finding the blue flame were waning.
“One or the other, Huntress. We will not wait for you.”
“I will not make you wait. I’ll be quick, if you just let me—”
