He was half in a daze as Cora pocketed the collar, stepped down from the mounting block, and placed her hand on Valorre’s flank.
Larylis watched, hardly breathing, not daring to blink.
One second.
Two.
Cora took a subtle step forward.
Then they were gone.
Gone.
And Larylis felt as if all the warmth and light had been leached from the world.
25
Cora planted her feet on the lakeshore. Opening her eyes, she saw the lake blanketed in night, a crescent moon reflected on its surface. She shifted her gaze to Valorre’s back and released a slow exhale as she found all her companions intact upon the saddle—Mareleau, Noah, and a mildly flustered Berol, who flapped her wings before readjusting her position on the saddle’s pommel.
Mareleau blinked at their new surroundings, though Cora couldn’t be sure she wasn’t blinking tears from her eyes. This couldn’t be easy for her. It wasn’t even easy for Cora, and she was somewhat used to the jarring effect of instantaneous travel by now. Neither of them could be expected to get used to leaving the people they loved.
I told you it would be easy to get here. Valorre’s boastful voice interrupted her thoughts.I am incredibly helpful.
You are, Cora replied. His arrogance wasn’t unfounded; because of him, it had been much easier to reach the lake this time than the first, even with her extra travelers. Since both she and Valorre had the image of their destination in mind, she hadn’t needed to focus quite as hard. Instead, Valorre had held the image while she’d sensed her companions.
Mareleau sniffled, drawing Cora’s attention back to her.
“Are you all right?” Cora asked.
“Fine,” she bit out, but her shoulders were visibly shaking. She looked pale too, though it was hard to tell for certain in the moonlight.
Cora glanced at the gauze around Mareleau’s throat. There were two dark spots on each side, but the material wasn’t soaked through. That gave Cora some semblance of relief. If her friend was pale, at least it wasn’t from blood loss. Her relief was short-lived, for she knew what she had to do next. She reached inside her cloak pocket until her fingertips brushed the sleek tines of the collar.
“Don’t.” Mareleau’s voice trembled as she spoke the word, her eyes locked on Cora’s pocket. “Please don’t replace it just yet. I know it’s selfish of me to ask?—”
“I understand.” Cora withdrew her hand and left the collar where it was. She was half relieved, for she wasn’t sure she had the strength of will to exacerbate her friend’s wounds if she could help it. “Perhaps we can reach the Forest People and get aid before the dragons sense you.”
“Thank you,” Mareleau said, her expression easing. “If we hear a single wingbeat…do what must be done.”
Cora nodded.
“Where are we?” Mareleau rushed to ask, as if eager to change the subject.
“We’re in southwest Khero. I believe this is Lake Sarrolin, which means the nearest village is Brekan. Now I need to find out which direction the Forest People are.”
Cora closed her eyes and extended her senses. A wave of fatigue washed over her, much like it had the first time she’d come here. This time, it must be due to the feat of traveling with so many. She was tempted to take a moment to rest, but she didn’t want to risk staying in place too long, lest they attract the dragons. Breathing deeply, she pushed past her exhaustion, seeking nearby emotion. Valorre snorted, reminding her to utilize him. She pressed her palm to his neck. Her fatigue lessened and her awareness increased. Familiar energies brightened at the edge of her consciousness. She shifted side to side, seeking direction. Her heart pulsed as she faced the opposite end of the lake.
That was where she would find them. “Let’s go.”
Salinda was already waitingfor her.
Cora felt her proximity before she saw her, half hidden in the shadows of a cedar tree. As they approached, Salinda stepped forward, eyes crinkling at the corners. Moonlight shone on the woman’s dark hair, her simple wool dress, the tattooed skin visible on her forearms, chest, and neck. As well as the single tattoo that marked her as an elder: the triple moon at the tip of her chin.
Cora’s heart lifted, both at the familiar loving face and the tangible proof that stood before her. She’d already known she’d succeeded in finding the Forest People. She’d been able tofeelthem. But now Salinda was there, serving as irrefutable evidence that Cora had used her clairsentience to worldwalk to a place she’d never physically been.
You had my help, Valorre reminded her.
You’re right. She couldn’t have done it without him. Without their connection. Without his link to his unicorn brethren and the image of the lake they’d helped him form.
