Niko blinked. “Hejustdid.”
Suddenly Virgil rushed over to our side. “Come. The ravens and wolves will hold Gunner off. We can’t waste thischance.”
“But what’s going to happen? Will they win?” Nikoasked.
“I don’t know. But - and excuse my bluntness - but this no longer concerns you,” Virgil stated, glancing at both Niko and I. “I know you care. But right now, your babyneedsyou.”
We both knew he was right. This was what we had been fighting for the whole time - a chance to escape Scarlet Ridge. But why did it sound like Virgil was stayingbehind?
“What are you two going to do?” Niko asked at the same time, as if we sharedonemind.
“I have unfinished business here. I need to stay,”Virgilsaid.
Hector was looking at him. “Metoo.”
Neither Niko or I liked it, but we both knew these were two men full of conviction and resolve. Something told me their journey wasn’toveryet.
“Fine. Justpromise me you won’t get killed,” Igrowled.
“Promise.” Virgil nodded at me. He quickly touched my shoulder with his muzzle in a stoic yet affectionate gesture. Suddenly I realized how much I’d come to appreciate his company. I valued his friendship as much as any IndigoMountainwolf.
Beside me, Hector and Niko were exchanging a similar gesture. Hector had come a long way, and I was glad to see him out of Gunner’s grasp. I only hoped the rest of Scarlet Ridge could have a similarbreakthrough.
“Come,” I growled to Niko when he was done with his goodbyes. “Let’s getgoing.”
Niko trotted to my side and pressed close to me. With one final glance back at Virgil, Hector, and the chaos of the clearing, we slipped into the far end of the tree line and disappeared into thedarkness.
