Chapter 5
Seren
The outline of a watchtower loomed in the fading light, built high into the towering evergreen, signaling how close I was to home.
The Vangar had already seen me—there was no slipping past them. They wouldn’t stop me, but they would come for me. I’d brought something—someone—they wouldn’t ignore.
The path winding through the heart of the encampment stretched ahead. Shadows filtered through the trees as the sun dipped lower, the air growing heavy with the approaching night. I felt the weight of every step, certain I was being watched.
I couldn’t risk going to my family’s tent. Presenting myself to an officer or council member first would be a show of my good faith.
Speak firmly. Hold your ground. Don’t let Seth bait you into anger.
Voices murmured ahead, torchlight flaring against the dark. My pulse quickened, but I kept my expression neutral as the figures emerged.
Seth stood at their head, hand resting on his sword’s hilt. Others followed—council members and Vangar warriors—their faces unreadable, though their silence spoke volumes. They’d come to judge me before I’d even spoken.
My body ached from dragging the Lirien, my fingernails torn from gripping for so long. Slowing, I lowered the bedroll to the ground. The Lirien hadn’t stirred once during the day-long trek back.
“Seren.” Seth broke from the others, closing the distance between us. “Explain?”
“I know this?—”
“Who is he? The Vangar reported you had brought a wounded man.”
I positioned myself between Seth and the Lirien. “I have.”
Olivia Galanis, the council member tasked with checking visitors from other encampments for the Viori rune mark, stepped forward. With a flick of her fingers, a bright green light flared and settled on the man’s recumbent form. She lifted her head sharply, eyes wide. “He’s not Viori.”
Seth’s dark eyes glittered. “Liriens have no place here.”
“Let me speak.”
“There’s nothing you can say. You’ve defied the law—that alone warrants punishment. But bringing him here?” He gestured to the Lirien with a sharp flick of his hand. “You’ve endangered all of us.”
“That’s not true.” The words felt hollow.
“This is arrogance, plain and simple. You think you’re above the laws that protect us.” His voice dripped with disdain. “Step aside, and I’ll end this now.”
Seth’s drew his sword.
“No.” I’d prepared for this. Pulling out a small crossbow I’d fastened to my back, my muscles trembled. I aimed at him, and he froze. “I won’t miss.”
Seth’s lip curled, but he didn’t move. The torches around us crackled, the only sound in the still night.
“What is the meaning of this?” My mother’s voice rang out. She ran toward us, Ciaran at her side.
Thank the gods.
Ciaran must have been on duty and warned her. My friend’s face was flushed.
“Seren brought a Lirien into the encampment.” Seth stared me down.
Stand firm, Seren.
“I have my reasons,” I gritted.
“There’s never a good reason. Or have you forgotten that Esme remains unaccounted for?” The barb struck deep, and he knew it.
