“It might have to be,” I replied.
The tension between us held for a second longer before something shifted in his expression, not agreement, not acceptance, but understanding.
Reluctant.
Hard-earned.
Real.
Rendel watched the exchange without interrupting, and Nova eyed the orcs and shifters as they approached.
“You don’t have much time,” Rendel said.
“I gathered that,” I replied.
Stella stepped forward, her gaze flicking between all of us. “We prepare quietly. No sudden departures that draw attention.”
Nova nodded. “I’ll continue gathering information from the orcs.”
“And I’ll make sure the Academy stays steady,” Stella added.
I looked at them, really looked at them, because this wasn’t just a plan anymore.
Keegan’s hand brushed mine again, just briefly.
“We’re not letting you do this alone,” he said, quieter now. “Somehow, I will be there.”
I didn’t argue.
Not fully.
But I didn’t agree either.
Because deep down, I knew this next part was going to come down to me.
And the stone.
And whatever waited for us in those wetlands.
Chapter Seven
“I have an idea.” Twobble glanced at Rendel and over at me. “The goblins won't like it, but desperate times call for desperate measures. I say we move through the UnderLoom and UnderSoot so the Priestess won't be able to track us as easily as on the surface.”
“They won't accept orcs, and they certainly won't accept shifters down there,” Nova objected.
“They theoretically don't accept vampires either, but I've been down there a time or two and so has Lady Limora.” Stella’s scarlet lips grew into a smile. “By the time they get themselves together to formally object, we will already be out.”
Nova chuckled. “She has a point.”
I look down at Twobble. “You might get in trouble with the goblins.”
He shrugged. “Wouldn't be the first time and certainly won't be the last.”
Everyone chuckled, including the orcs and shifters. And I noticed Rendel looking at Keegan when suddenly a hush fell over the crowd.
It moved through the group slowly, like a ripple, voices trailing off, movement settling, until even Twobble stopped mid-breath beside me. I turned, already knowing what I would see before I saw her.
The Silver Wolf walked toward us.
