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It was the middle of the day, and she could see it.

She held her ground as the beast curled its black lip, quivering a silent growl under the wind. When Lily’s eyes met its prominent pair of sockets, its body flared to life with purples.

“Evelian.” Lily relaxed at the sound of Croll’s voice. “What is it?”

She flicked her head back but was only met with a burst of wind.

The creature had been growing bolder since leaving Caiven’s estate. It followed her every night, creeping closer and closer. And now it was coming out in the day—

“If there’s something wrong, I’d prefer not to be dragged into it,” Croll said.

“It’s nothing.” She watched the field. “You go ahead.”

“I’m not to leave you alone.”

Lily couldn’t get her arguments to rise vocally. Even Croll’s company was enough to keep her mind drifting back to everything that happened over the last few days. She started back again, and Croll walked beside her in silence.

Ivy’s shrill voice carried through the air.

“The young Hazevale isn’t so wild,” Croll commented.

Lily glanced at him again, though he didn’t meet it. “He’s the exception. Most kids are like Ivy.”

“I’ve only met the two.”

“Wait until you get to Rimore. They’re everywhere.”

“I’ve no interest in going to Rimore.”

Lily lifted her shoulder. “Can’t say I’m surprised.”

“I will be returning to Reave once the war has left Markoth.”

“I didn’t ask,” Lily teased, “but is that a good idea?”

“Master Atwood and Kyer have promised me safe passage into the artificers’ level.”

“If anyone could get you back into the city without notice, it’d be those two.” Lily kept her smile small. “Too bad. I don’t think we’ve had nearly enough time together.”

“I shall try to contain my disappointment.”

Lily chuckled, accepting she would get nothing friendlier from Croll. They continued down the pebbled trail in silence, slowing at the horde of people and their mounts standing in front of the building.

The convoy had arrived.

Lily acknowledged the landing attention of Kyer’s men with hurried bows as she weaved by them and into the house. A familiar voice carried through the air.

“There she is!”

Before Lily had time to retreat, Sterling scooped her into a tight embrace.

“Put. Me. Down,” she warned through clenched teeth.

“I was worried about you.” He squeezed harder. “More worried you were going to run off, but still.”

“Sterling!”

“Sheesh.” Sterling finally obliged, patting her black coat back into place. “You don’t have to be so prickly, Lils.”