“Gone? Like…” Kaelith glanced her way.
“Yes, another Mission.” Rynna nodded, though she kept her eyes ahead, unwilling to give more detail. It hadn’t been long, and everything had burst back as soon as she'd seen Fenn, but she still had nightmares about that one, even if she couldn’t quite remember them.
“But you came back…again.”
“Just in time for this war, apparently.”
“That must be hard for you.” Kaelith’s voice dropped. “Building a life, then leaving like that. Over and over again.”
She didn’t say anything as the trees flew by with every leap and bound before finally turning to look at him.
“I don’t usually build a life as I have here.” They’d both had everything torn apart by her Missions. “At least, I don’t think I do. It’s hard to sort through the memories in the rare occurrences when they surface.”
“I’ll wait if it happens again.” He paused. “Without terrorizing the continent this time. I’ll try to be more like our stalwart Commander.”
Rynna gave him a small smile. “You are who you are, Kae, and I love you for it. Just like I love Fenn for who he is.”
Kaelith’s eyes widened in genuine shock, and for once, his usual poise failed him. His foot snagged on a low branch, and he toppled to the ground with a crash, leaves and dirt scattering around him.
Taren barely hid his snort. “Should we wait? I wouldn’t mind a break to vomit after hearing all that.”
Rynna rolled her eyes, a flush creeping up her cheeks. It was the first time she’d told Kaelith she loved him. She wasn’t sure why it had slipped out then, and the moment felt heavier than she expected. “Keep going. He’ll catch up once he’s recovered from the heart attack.”
“Right.” Taren grimaced. “Still gross.”
“Whatever. At least I have the courage to act on my feelings. There’s more to life than just fighting, protecting, and seeking revenge. Or so I’m learning.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Rynna gave a light shrug. “I’ve never seen Bran so single-minded and focused as when he was trying to find you.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He refused to look at her, the tips of his ears turning pink.
“Sure, sure.”
“Really?” He risked a glance in her direction, and this time, the blush was unmistakable, creeping up his face.
Rynna said nothing, just offered a knowing smile.
“Yes, well…” Taren cleared his throat, fingers unconsciously twirling his long ponytail as he leaped to the next branch. “First things first.”
He slowed his pace, his body coming to a stop on a thick tree branch while Rynna and Kaelith landed silently beside him.
“There.” Taren pointed to a large stone dome half-buried in the earth ahead. The charred remains of what looked like a fire clung to the surface, scorch marks still visible against the rough exterior.
“Looks like they put out the fire.” Rynna squinted. “Where’s the door?”
“Front side. It’s hidden and Source-locked, but not too difficult to get through.”
Rynna squinted, her brow furrowing as she studied the worn stone surface.
The doorway’s outline gradually revealed itself, the faintest glow tracing along its border, barely visible against the weathered rock. The lines were rough and uneven, like countless hands had scarred the stone over time. Shadows pooled in the crevices, hiding the intricate markings, but the gentle hum of Source power sang in the air.
Kaelith tilted his head. “Doesn’t even look locked.”
“They must be in a rush,” Rynna replied.
“He knows I’m hunting him.”
