“I think so.” She took it and let him help her up. Her legs ached from the impact, making her a little unsteady.
Inari linked an arm around her waist, supporting her weight. She gripped his shoulder as she stabilised herself. The muscles beneath his thin white shirt were tightly corded beneath her fingers.
They moved through the forest as silently and quickly as they could. With each step, Aloisia’s legs regained their strength. Still, Inari held onto her. Soon they reached the high cliffs overlooking an enclosed bay.
“The Hollow Cove,” Aloisia murmured. “If we follow it, we’ll be able to reach the guild.”
“Lead on,” he said.
As they ambled along the cliffside, Aloisia looked back over her shoulder. “Have we lost it?”
“Well, it has yet to show up.” He gave a shrug.
“We need to get word to the judiciaries,” she said. “If those things make it into town…” Even if they knew about it, what could they do? What power did anyone have to fight these creatures?
“One thing at a time,ro suda. First, we need to get you back home and I need to see to those wounds.”
Aloisia considered the scrapes covering her arms. “I think ‘wounds’ is a strong word. They’re just scratches.”
“All the same.” Inari regarded her. “It would do no good for them to fester.”
As they followed the line of the cliffs, the trees parted up ahead. A large pond within a clearing between the forests came into view. The trees on the other side were laden with blossoms and fruits, a stark contrast to the bare branches of the Dead Woods. They slowed as they approached the pond. In the distance, far to the east, Aloisia spotted the Hunting Guild.
“There she is,” Aloisia said. “This is as far as you’ve gone from the woods, isn’t it?”
Inari nodded. “Since I arrived, yes.”
She tried to gauge his reaction, but his expression was irritatingly blank.
“Let’s keep going.”
Aloisia led the way back to the guild, the buildings drawing ever closer with each step. The sun dipped into early afternoon as they reached her home. She withdrew her arm from Inari’s shoulders, and he drew back as she pulled out her keys.
“Lis!”
She turned to see Kaja bounding to them.
“By the Divines, what happened to you?” Kaja stopped short, her gaze raking over Aloisia’s injuries.
“I’m fine,” she said. “I just fell. We do, however, need to get word to Magistrate Vester. The Forgotten Gods are back. One chased us through the Dead Woods.”
Kaja’s eyes widened. “I’ll get someone to ride up with a message.” She turned to go.
“What herbs do you have here?” Inari asked. “I imagine you have resources for healing.”
Kaja paused. “We do. I’ll ask Mavka. I’ll be right back.” She dashed off towards Mavka’s home.
Inari nodded his thanks and followed Aloisia into her home.
“You’re all overreacting.” She rolled her eyes. “I’m fine.”
“I shall be the judge of that.” A lopsided grin tugged at his lips.
She went to the side table and filled two tankards with weak ale, handing one to Inari. “It’s not much, but it’s home.” She gestured to the building.
“Well, I think it’s wonderful.”
The door opened and Kaja bundled in with Mavka on her heels.
