Even if that meant not killing every Lowlander or Highlander he came across.
While Caden wrestled with his control, Gawain slid down the hill behind him, dirt and loose rock accompanying him. Upon reaching the bottom, he headed toward the small group at a fast pace.
"What happened?" he asked, shooting a concerned look Caden's way.
Caden couldn't find it in himself to respond as he counted. He reached five and slowly exhaled again.
Only when he could be sure he wasn't going to give into the screaming abyss inside of him did he focus on what Ollie was saying.
"Several horses got loose right before the attack. She, Jason, and a few others went after them."
Van looked at Caden. "Looks like you were right. This was a distraction."
Caden's hands clenched. The only reaction he allowed himself.
"Can you take me to where she was?" he asked.
Ollie nodded. "I've already sent others ahead."
Smart man, but then Eva wasn’t friends with idiots.
"I want you to come with us," Caden said to Chirron.
If Eva was hurt, she'd need him.
She was alive. There was no other scenario Caden would accept.
"Consider it done," Chirron said with a nod.
Van moved up beside the healer. "You'll ride with me."
Chirron frowned.
Van held up a hand. "You're exhausted and they can't wait. Use the time to gain your strength back."
Chirron's lips pursed as if he'd tasted something bitter. As much as he wanted to argue, he couldn't. He was practically weaving where he stood.
"You'll ride with him." Caden wasn't in the mood for the healer's pride.
They'd already delayed long enough.
He whistled. Nell came running and stopped in front of Caden.
Gawain stepped forward to hold the stallion's head as Caden mounted. "I'll finish up here."
Caden picked up the reins and looked down at the Rain Clan leader. "No survivors."
Gawain's smile was wry. "I hadn't planned on anything else."
Ollie didn't wait for Caden to finish as he wheeled his horse and thundered back the way he'd come. Nell lunged forward, racing after him.
I'm coming, Eva. Just hold on until I get there.
And when he did, he would destroy all those who'd touched her.
Jason's body had grown numb to the cold, unable to feel his hands and feet any longer.
A fact that should have felt important but simply didn't. His physical state matched the icy tundra of his mental one.
