The woods brooded a dark ocean of shadows and tangles. The air inside was damp with the faintest scent of moss and decay.
The undergrowth crashed harshly against my boots, while my every step fell with resolution and fear. Beside me, Evelyn walked wordlessly, on her face, a mask of determination, though I could glimpse tension in her facial lines.
âKeep your wits about you,â I whispered to her slowly, âWe donât know whatâs coming for us.â
She silently, followed by the warriors that came with me, each of them volunteered for this mission, knowing full well the dangers.
Still, I couldnât get rid of that nagging voice in my head which told me I was walking them into an ambush.
My thoughts drifted back to Dane, lying pale and still in his quarters. His weak voice replayed in my mind: Donât leave me. The memory twisted my heart, guilt and frustration warring within me.
Trajan broke the silence. âYouâre quieter than usual.â
I glanced at him, the concern in his eyes piercing through my
defenses. âJust thinking.â
âAbout him?â
I didnât answer, but the tightening of my grip on my dagger was enough of a response.
âHeâs tough, Aurora,â Trajan said gently. âIf anyone can fight through this, itâs him.â
âI agree with Trajan, donât worry much about him,â Evelyn added as she nudged my slightly.
I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. âLetâs hope so.â
With every step we made, the forest was growing denser; the canopy was blotting out most of the moonlight above.
Darkness danced across our path, and every time a twig snapped, I felt my heart jump. Then one of the warriors. muttered, âWeâre being watched.â
âI know,â I replied with the same words, but in a totally different tone while inside I felt a shiver run down my spine.
A sudden whistle of air was the only warning before a trap was sprung. A net launched from the ground, ensnaring one of our group and hoisting him into the air.
âHold still!â Trajan shouted, rushing to cut the ropes, he set the
warrior fee.