She took in all their expressions of disapproval, then met Zev’s gaze. He offered no defense because … he agreed. Taking a life left its mark, and he didn’t want that for her.
Dyna scoffed in disgust as she turned away. “All of you have blood on your hands, and you’ve gained it without questioning your morals, because it was done to survive. How dare you question mine?”
Zev whined and tried to follow.
“Stay,” Dyna snapped, pointing at him. He halted, lowering his ears. “All of you. I have nothing else to fear in these woods but your judgment.”
Her wet eyes caught the moonlight as she stormed away. Guilt sank in Zev’s chest. It wasn’t her anger that made him feel ashamed, but the hurt behind it.
Because he was the one person she always expected to be on her side.
CHAPTER 17
Dynalya
Dyna trudged through the woods, furiously muttering to herself. When she found a small clearing, she leaned against a tree and closed her eyes. Her tired legs trembled, drawing her to sit and rest among the roots. She only attempted to kill Galen because he reminded her of everything and everyone she’d been up against.
She looked down at her shaking hands stained with blood.
This was what it took to survive in this world.
But she couldn’t help remembering the way Tarn had killed the fleeing Azure Knight in gold blood. Was she like him, too?
Dyna’s stomach twisted and she pushed the memory away. It didn’t matter what it made her. She had already decided to become whatever necessary to get what she needed.
Reaching into her satchel, she called upon the water mirror, and its cool weight landed in her hand. She pulled it out and brought it onto her lap. Rain pattered into the bowl, creating soft music as it slowly filled.
With a sprinkle of salt, Dyna focused on the one she wanted to see. The swirling water fogged until an image appeared. Tarn sat at a chair by the fireplace, nursing a cup of wine.
“How close are you now?” he asked in greeting without looking up.
“I should reach the border of Dwarf Shoe in three days and arrive in Little Step.”
Tarn picked up a book. “It will take you perhaps another day to reach the Port of Kelpway.”
“Has your search been fruitful?” she asked with a hint of mockery.
Tarn’s cool eyes narrowed on the book he was reading. “It’s only a matter of time before I find the Druid. He may have already moved on. Whether you arrive here by the fourth day or not, we will continue. So make haste.”
Dyna forced a smile to disguise her bout of nerves that he would disappear before she could catch up with him. “A gentleman would be patient and wait.”
His mouth curled. “Maiden, we both know I am anything but a gentleman.”
Something foul stirred in her stomach, lodging anger in her throat. It sent a rush up her nose.
“Would it really trouble you to wait?” Dyna demanded. “I am right here. You wanted me to join you, and I am finally on my way to you, yet you cannot be bothered to stay.” Her voice shook. She scoffed to mask it, rolling her burning eyes up to the trees. “Well, I won’t beg you. Leave. See how well you do without me.”
An awkward quiet stretched between them, and Dyna inwardly cringed at how pathetic she sounded. So much for not begging him. After a minute, she reluctantly looked at him again and found Tarn staring at her.
“I am not sure whether I should be more perplexed by the blood on your face or the tears in your eyes.” He canted his head. “What happened?”
She wiped her cheek. “Nothing.”
“I very well doubt that. Where is your prince?”
Dyna scowled. “That’s none of your concern.Nothinghappened.”
He smirked and closed his book. “Now, Maiden, if you expect me to believe you, then you must become a better liar. Since we have spoken, not once have you mentioned your—what did you once call him? Oh, yes. Yourmate.” Her withered heart sank. “Nor have I seen him or any of your other Guardians, for that matter. I take it that means they do not know about us, and I doubt you could keep me a secret this long unless you were alone. I can only assumeheis no longer with you.”
