I fought against the Veiler’s hold, but he grabbed me by the back of my shirt. I let out a yelp as I was dragged back to the tent. He quickly unfastened the tent and threw me inside.
“If you’re smart, you’ll stay put.” The Veiler tied the tent shut once more.
I needed to get back to Rowan. I needed to make sure he believed me.
All the culled were awake and actively watching me as I panted in frustration before them.
“What’s going on?” Lily asked, wariness coating her voice.
“I have to sneak out. Can you distract the guard while I do that?”
Lily didn’t reply. She just stared at me as if I’d lost my mind. Which I might as well have.
I agreed that the idea of protecting Veilers was as ridiculous as it was reckless. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that whatever I had seen in my dream was some kind of warning for all of us—the culled included. I didn’t believe Rowan had trusted my word, so I desperately needed to get back and convince him.
Sending scouts out wasn’t enough. We needed to brace ourselves against the impending danger—whatever it might be.
It was Isaac who broke the silence.
“I’ll do it.”
Everyone’s head turned toward him.
“Thank you,” I sighed, chest aching from holding my breath.
“You saved my life. I owe you a debt.”
“Alright, then. If you’re sure?”
“I’m sure.”
I explained the plan, and Isaac gave a quick nod to show he understood.
We took our places at the entrance to the tent. Fear was written all over Isaac’s face, but he didn’t bend to it. I quietly untied the tent while another culled held it shut. Then, I counted down on my fingers.
Isaac sprinted as fast as he could out of the tent. I watched the Veiler take off after him, and then a moment later, I was soaring in the opposite direction.
I ran until I reached another tent, pressing my back to its side, out of the guard’s line of sight. I sank to the Ground and hugged my knees as I gasped for air. The temperature was frigid, but my skin was heated from adrenaline, so I barely felt it.
Once my breathing evened out, I stood and looked around the camp. It was empty. Tents were open and lights were flickering inside, but I saw no movement within them.
“Look who’s out here all alone,” said a familiar gravelly voice. “Lost, are you?”
I turned my head and met Balor’s black eyes. I internally screamed at my body to move—to run—but it didn’t budge. Not again. Why did I always freeze?
Balor tilted his head slightly, like a predator sizing up a wounded creature. Amusement flickered in his gaze.
“How’s your lip?” I asked, fighting to keep my voice steady.
My insides felt like they were coiling tighter and tighter, but I wanted to appear strong.
A slow grin spread across his face, splitting the already-healing wound. It bled again.
“Hurts like a bitch,” he admitted, voice almost playful, “but only when I smile.”
“That’s unfortunate,” I mocked.
He took another step. My fingers curled into fists, and my chest heaved.
