“And you think helping me free some unicorns is theright thing?”
He hesitated before answering, but when he did, he was resolute. “Yes.”
She heard soft steps coming up alongside the horses. Valorre. Berol ruffled her feathers at his appearance, edging farther down Teryn’s saddle.
You could let him help you, he said.
She cast him a dark glare.You can’t be serious.
It’s dangerous doing this on your own.
I never heard you complain before, she silently conveyed.You’re the one who dragged me into this, you know.
If you recall, I asked both you and your friend.
Her heart clenched at his reference to Maiya. But Valorre was right. He had implored them both to help, and Cora had sought the aid of the entire commune, only to be denied by Roije. She’d already fantasized about how much easier her mission would be if she’d had the Forest People to help. But the commune had skilled magic users, trackers, and hunters. Teryn and Lex were just…princes.
She returned her attention to Teryn. “How do I even know you’d be a help and not a hindrance? I saved your life from the Beast tonight.”
He quirked a brow. “Technically, you saved the caged unicorn’s life. The Beast only went for Helios, and I don’t recall you intervening on his behalf.”
“The creature wounded your friend and I bandaged him up.”
He shrugged. “Still, wouldn't it help to have more than just you protecting Valorre? Your arrows wounded the Beast, but the monster didn’t fall. I’m skilled with a spear, while Lex…” He trailed off, some of his confidence faltering. “Lex can wield a sword. You saw how he killed one of those hunters.”
She rolled her eyes. “And nearly curled up in the fetal position after.”
He sighed. “Give us a chance. Let us redeem ourselves. Let us do some good after everything we nearly destroyed.”
Her gaze slid to Valorre.I still think it’s a good idea, he said.I like him. He’s very tall.
I take offense to that.
Why? He’s very handsome and so concerned over my well-being. Did you hear him? He wants to fight off the Beast for me.
Oh, is that all it takes to win you over?
Valorre had nothing else to say.
She met Teryn’s eyes, reached for his emotions. Her palms tingled as she sifted through his energy. She felt strength and fear. Hesitation and conviction. Something murky lurked at the edges, which told her he was still hiding things from her. But so was she. Could his secrets be any bigger than hers?
Finally, she released a grumbling breath. “I’ll think on it.”
He blinked a few times. “You will?”
“I’ll tell you what I decide in the morning.” She went to brush past him, but his hand landed on her shoulder. Her body went stiff, her pulse thrumming. She glanced down at his hand, felt the heat of his palm on her bare skin where her shift had slipped down her shoulder.
In an instant, he snatched his hand back. Even in the dark, she could see color rising to his cheeks. He cleared his throat before he spoke, fingers curling tight. “I just wanted to implore you…please give it serious consideration.”
It took a few seconds to steady her breathing. “I will,” she said, her voice a whisper.
Teryn waiteduntil Cora was fast asleep by the dying embers of the fire before he approached the horses again. He used the same technique he did while stalking prey—prodding the earth, taking one slow step after the other—to ensure he didn’t wake her. Quinne softly nickered at his approach. He paused, waiting to see if Cora would stir. She didn’t. Valorre, thankfully, was nowhere to be seen. He’d caught the unicorn wandering in and out of camp during the last couple hours that he’d feigned sleep.
He rifled through his saddlebags to retrieve parchment and quill. Berol landed quietly on his shoulder and nibbled his temple in greeting. After giving her a few affectionate scritches, he quickly scrawled his message. Then he took the Wanted poster he’d stashed inside his vest when Cora hadn’t been looking and rolled it together with his letter. Finally, he sealed it and lifted it toward Berol. She clasped it in one of her talons.
“To Father,” he whispered. “Home.”
He then offered her a strip of pheasant he’d pocketed during dinner. She accepted it as well as more pets, then launched off his shoulder. He watched her silhouette against the dark sky until she merged with the night. A pinch of worry settled in his gut. He’d never sent her away this far from home, but she’d always returned with ease before, no matter where they were. Besides, this was the only way.
