“Maiya.”
“Cora.”
Two voices sounded through the trees, one male, one female. Maiya’s hand flew to her heart. “Is that…”
“We’re here,” Cora called back.
Their names echoed again, not too far away, and they ran toward the sound, Cora and Maiya calling back with every step. Soon two figures emerged from between the trees and bounded forth.
Roije stopped as soon as they came into view, his face slack with relief. Behind him was Gisele, trails of tears marking her cheeks, sparkling beneath the light of the moon. She ran forward, breaking into a sob as she gathered Cora and Maiya in her arms. “It’s my fault. It’s all my fault,” she cried.
While Cora couldn’t help but agree, now didn’t seem like the time to say so. Instead, she said, “We’re safe.”
Gisele released them, which in turn made Maiya hobble back before she caught her balance. Roije was at her side in an instant. “You’re hurt.” He framed her face in his hands, his expression hardening when his eyes landed on the blood at her temple.
Even in the dark, Cora could tell Maiya was blushing. “I’m fine,” she said with a bashful smile.
“I can carry you,” he said, and was halfway to scooping her up before she put a hand on his chest to still him.
Just as quickly, she snatched her hand away. “It’s just a sprain. With help, I can walk.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes.” She waved at Gisele, who wordlessly obliged, putting her arm around her like Cora had done.
“Come on then.” Roije angled his head in the direction he and Gisele had come from. “We’re not too far from camp.”
They started off, keeping a moderate pace for Maiya.
“Thank you for finding us,” Cora said. “How?—”
“The Magic of the Soil led me here,” Roije explained. “Gisele sprung upon camp looking half dead with a wild tale about getting attacked by hunters. A dozen of us went out looking, and Gisele insisted on coming with me.”
“I knew if anyone would find you, it would be Roije,” Gisele said. It was a solid bet, considering his renowned magic-aided tracking skills. Gisele’s lip quivered. “I’m so, so sorry. I never should have been so reckless.”
“Let’s just get back to camp,” Cora said, still uneasy with the thought that the hunters were still out there. She knew the unicorn’s speed had helped them outrun them?—
Remembering the creature, she whirled around.
Her heart dropped when she realized he was nowhere to be seen.
Roije turned too. “What is it?”
She looked deep into the dark woods, searching between the trees for any sign of white fur. Nothing. She was surprised at the pang of disappointment that tugged her heart. Releasing a sigh, she caught back up with Roije. Gisele and Maiya were now several paces ahead.
“What happened out there?” he whispered.
She nibbled her lip, uncertain what to say. Would he believe the truth? She remembered the idea that had begun to form before Roije and Gisele had found them.
“Can you track…anyone? Even someone you haven’t met?”
He considered that and shrugged. “It depends. I’d never met my father, but the Magic of the Soil led me to him. His blood called to mine.”
“So, you couldn’t track a stranger?”
“If I could track them for a while by usual means, I’d perhaps be able to tune in to their essence enough to utilize magic as well.”
“How fresh of tracks do you need?”
