Cora glanced over her shoulder, brow furrowed as she noticed his hesitation. She held out her hand, her tattooed palm extended his way. “Come on,” she whispered. Her eyes were bright, her lips curled into a soft smile. She’d changed after what had happened at the tree. Whatever magic she’d used, she glowed with it now, radiated with it in unseen ways.
Teryn took a deep breath, knowing he was about to seal his fate. Hefting the unicorn in both arms, he returned her grin and followed after her.
* * *
Cora feltalive in a way she’d never been before. Her use of magic had defied reason, obliterated coincidence, and negated any chance that she, Teryn, and the baby unicorn had evaded notice by happenstance alone. She’d made theminvisible. Just like witch lore claimed was possible.
She understood now why it was referred to as quiet magic. Sure, her feat of invisibility was incredible to her, but to the hunters or anyone else that could have walked by that tree…to them it was like it never happened.
The aftereffects surged through her veins, pulsed in every line of ink on her skin. Resisting her instincts to run had been hard. Choosing magic over her bow had been harder. In overcoming her personal challenge, her magic had grown stronger. It still felt quiet and there was much more for her to learn, but now she believed the possibilities she’d once turned her nose up at.
Teryn too seemed changed. She’d sensed a shift in his emotions, from something dark and heavy to a lightness akin to relief. He still clung to a hint of the sorrow she’d glimpsed right after they’d rescued the unicorn, but his steps were lighter now, his smile freer. Perhaps it was just the comfort that came with knowing they’d escaped the hunters.
Valorre found them not long after. He was frantic with worry over not having warned them about the approaching hunters. Just as Cora had thought, he’d been out of range while he’d tried to direct his freed brethren to safer grounds. Thankfully, Berol had been there, even though her warning hadn’t given them much of an advantage. She flew overhead now, keeping her distance from Teryn while he carried the unicorn.
What should we do with the baby?Cora asked Valorre.
The unicorn went still, ears twitching. Finally, he said,I think her mother is near. Or…near enough. I can feel one of my kind lingering somewhere in the pass. She knows it isn’t safe but she’s…seeking something.
Can you take us to her?
Valorre considered that.No, the mother will fear you. I will take her myself.
Cora was worried the baby unicorn might still be too shaken to walk. She turned to Teryn. “You can try putting her down.”
He did as told, gently setting the unicorn on her hooves. She stumbled a little, legs splayed, but managed to keep her balance. She was no longer trembling like she’d been outside the camp.
Valorre took a few steps closer.
The baby lowered her head, posture startled. After a few moments of warily examining the much larger unicorn, she took a step toward him. Then another. Her gait was steady as she closed the remaining distance. Valorre gave her an affectionate nuzzle, then lifted his head toward Cora.She will be fine. I will take her now.
Cora’s heart clenched as she watched Valorre guide the tiny creature away.
Teryn came up beside her. Berol was settled on his shoulder, preening. “We really did it,” he said. “We actually freed four unicorns.”
She turned to face him. “Thank you for helping me,” she said, finding the words easier to say than she expected. She didn’t want to admit that she’d been wrong in her hesitation to let him accompany her, but…perhaps she had been.
“You’re welcome,” he said, and again a hint of sorrow crept into the edges of her awareness. She strengthened her shields, blocking it completely. After what she’d accomplished at the tree, she needed a reprieve.
They made their way back toward camp, the sun barely a hint of light on the horizon. A comfortable silence fell between them, which was such a stark contrast to the tense quiet they’d kept earlier that day. They were nearing camp when Teryn whirled to face her.
Cora pulled up short. His expression told her that perhaps the silence had only been comfortable on her end. She frowned. “What is it?”
“We should leave this area tonight.”
“What? Why would we do that?”
He folded his arms, shoulders tense. “The hunters will know someone knocked out their guard and freed the unicorns. They might try to track us. If not tonight, then tomorrow.”
Cora’s eyes widened, all of her pleasant feelings evaporating. “You’re the one who wanted to avoid bloodshed. You only just now realize your plan has put us at a greater risk?”
“I’m sorry,” he rushed to say. “Let’s leave at once. Go…far from here.”
She backed up a step, eyes narrowing. “My mission isn’t done. You saw the map. There are still numerous other hunting parties. I can’t let them continue to hunt unicorns.”
“What are you planning to do? Poison all of them? What about when they’re replaced with new recruits? These men are mercenaries and convicted criminals. There’s no shortage of more like them.”
Cora felt a crushing weight fall over her. He was right. It was too much. Still, she shook the overwhelming feeling from her heart and lifted her chin. “I will do whatever I can.”
