Yes.
The Wolflumen clan is ancient, like us.
But not as good at keeping secrets.Ember sounded pleased at their superiority on this front.
The hawk’s comment made her smile, yet she felt a strange sensation in her chest.Connor had quite the array of rescuers.Even though he’d never met the hunters before, he clearly had strong ties at home.That wasn’t where her jealousy stemmed from though.
She knew a little about the Wolflumen—or rather, their ancient predecessors.It was clear from the other woman’s interactions with Connor and his sister that she was able to have friends and relationships.She wasn’t alone in the same way Daya was.
On the contrary, she was in the middle of everything.Not standing on the outside.The difference between their stances bothered her.With Draven, her desires had been solely family oriented.This new yearning was different.For the first time in her long life, she wanted to be involved.Not just an observer.
But this was just a one-time occurrence.She’d guide them to Ridgecrest and back, and then they would leave.Was it worth it to strive for that camaraderie when she was unlikely to ever have it again?
Indistinct chatter floated to her on the breeze as she approached her home.She paused out of view to watch the activity for a moment.The four—five—of them were preparing to depart.
Celina and Rodric sat on the porch, pressed close together.Connor hovered next to them, pointing out something on the map that Rodric held.Nearby, the Wolflumen was checking weapons and re-packing saddlebags with the other hunter.
Steeling herself, she walked into the group.Ember soared in front of her, catching Connor’s attention.His eyes immediately sought her out.A single glance toward the barn had him rising.
He walked beside her in silence until they entered the cavern.It was out of hearing range of the others, giving them a semblance of privacy.
“I’m sorry to do this to you.To us,” Connor said.“I was hoping for more time, but we have to leave immediately.”
“I know.And I need to tell you something.”
“What is it?”
“Ridgecrest.The abandoned fortress?Not so abandoned.Some mercenaries have invaded the southern bank of the mountain range.They seem to be using it as a base.”
His eyes narrowed.“You know this how?”
“Because I was there recently.”
His jaw flexed with tension.
“Ember says you’re going to rescue the children being held.I’m going with you.”
Irritation flared in the downward pull of his brows before he visibly refocused and his lips shifted to form a different question.“You know for a fact that they’re keeping children there?”
“Yes, at least four children,” she admitted.He was going to hate this part.“I’ve been hunting an elusive darkness in the mountain since shortly after you arrived.A few days ago—the last time I went out—I surveilled that area.”
“That’swhat you’ve been out hunting?By yourself?”
“I’m aguardian, Connor.It’s part of what I do.”
Realization dawned in his eyes.“That’s what you were so upset about the other night.”
“Yes.I’ve been waiting on help to eradicate it.Imagine my surprise when the help I needed turned out to be your rescuers.”
He stepped away from her, shaking his head and running a hand over his face as he worked through everything she’d said.She held her tongue and waited, sensing he needed space.After a moment he came back to face her, jaw still tense.
“And you’re absolutely sure about the children being present there?”he asked.
“I only saw one.The others I just overheard the mercenaries discussing.”
“Tell me about the one you saw.”
Daya thought back to the little girl’s appearance.The stormy sky hadn’t allowed her the best view.“It was just a glimpse, but she seemed healthy enough to be moving around with the horses without a problem.She was young to possess magic, though.”
