“Rynna…” Elara started.
“No,” Rynna said, more firmly this time. “We can’t afford to screw this up. If they get Fenn, we’re all dead, not to mention everyone else here.” She didn’t think these people were planning to spare the children.
“Rynna’s right,” Taren nodded. “We need a plan.”
All three turned to her, expectant.Fuck. She didn’t have time to make this a teachable moment, not with Fenn’s life on the line.
“Elara, you go back the way Bran and I came. There’s a large estate in the center of the village where they’re keeping the drug. Your first priority is to find the antidote. They mentioned they have one. You’ve got the best shot at figuring out where it is.”
Elara gave a sharp nod. “The bandits probably keep a personal stash outside the lab if it’s as dangerous as you say.”
“Exactly. Then, if you can, burn the place down and bring us the antidote.”
“Any enemies?”
“They all seemed pretty eager to see Guide Fenn submit, so probably not, but be careful.”
Elara hesitated for a moment, and Rynna stepped forward, pulling her into a tight hug. The girl stiffened in surprise, then hugged her back just as fiercely.
“You can do this,” Rynna whispered.
“Consider it done, Novice Rynna,” Elara replied, her voice steady. Then, without another word, she vanished into the trees.
“And what am I supposed to do with the children?” Taren asked once Elara was gone.
“Save them, obviously,” Bran muttered, tapping his foot impatiently.
“Why?” Taren turned to Rynna, seeking clarification.
“They remain our primary mission,” Rynna said. “Besides, if Guide Fenn isn’t under their control, the first thing they’ll do is threaten the younglings to use against us.”
“Okay,” Taren tilted his head, considering. “Makes sense.”
“No good, despicable...” Bran muttered.
“Taren,” Rynna continued, “get the kids out and find somewhere safe to hole up. It could be for the rest of the day, maybe even the night.”
Taren nodded but glanced at Bran with a raised brow. “You sure you don’t want that one with the kids? I’m better in a fight.”
“Are not!” Bran shot back, stepping toward him, but Rynna quickly moved between them, turning to Taren.
She was honestly surprised he hadn’t pushed back harder. “I’m not questioning your skills in a fight. But for this, I need someone loud—a flash and bang to distract them while I check on Guide Fenn.”
Taren snorted, his gaze flicking to Bran. “You need someone to make a lot of noise.”
“Exactly.” Rynna nodded, then turned to Bran, her voice steady. “And someone strong enough to stay alive against multiple elite-level Hollow-born.”
Bran’s posture shifted, his indignation fading into thoughtfulness. His hands unclenched, his expression faltering as the weight of her words sank in. For a moment, fear flickered across his face, his eyes widening ever so slightly. But then, his back straightened, and his jaw tightened, his gaze meeting Rynna’s with a firm nod.
“Elite?” Taren asked.
“At least one Vessel level. I think,” Rynna replied.
“We need Guide Fenn.”
“Yes, we do.”
Taren pressed his lips into a tight line, preparing to leave, but just before he took off, he turned back to Bran. “This isn’t a game or a competition, Bran. These men will killyou without a second thought. Show them the flash and the bang.” He paused. “But be careful. Don’t die.”
