She’s from a town south of here, I recall. I bet that’s the way she headed.
Home. It calls us all.
Chapter Twenty-One
Fern
Itrailed around the lake. It’s what would be least expected.
I had decided that walking deep enough in the lake, to chance being seen from the house was worth it. The depth would mean I wouldn’t disturb any plants but it left me without cover while I made my way around the lake. But I had to hope that they were big enough suckers to think me asleep.
Climbing out the window hadn’t been hard. Tying up the goyle’s sheets into a rope hadn’t been hard.
Cutting most of the way through the sheet at the window and hoping it wouldn’t rip until I reached the bottom wasn’t hard, nor was yanking it once I was at the bottom to remove it. As I hid the sheet so it wouldn’t be easily seen, my heart was hard. That was what was hard. Leaving is hard. What an insane thought, I pondered as I wrapped the spare—conviently green—-sheets back around me tightly.
Around the lake, then into the forest. I knew I would only have, at best, a four-hour head start.
The escape from the tall home itself and the trek around the lake had eaten almost two hours. I cursed myself again for not getting my clothes or my sword but I might as well have cursed myself for not growing wings and flying out of there.
Now, in the forest, I had to decide: Do I chance a random encounter at a wayhouse? Or do I stay hidden until I reach a rebel hideout or home?
My mental map of our location told me I was north of my area, and unlikely to reach a rebel holdout that Ipersonallyknew of.
But there were signs. There were always signs. I have to hope I can find one. I bite my lip as I stand. I’ll keep heading east.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Ebenezer
I’m pacing our kitchen as I await my bonded.
Not a stones’ damn sign of our bride to the west. Nothing.
I flew low and slow, as I’m not a skilled tracker like Theo. But I’m sure of it. The forest in that direction was undisturbed.
When I reached the small human homestead that is our closest neighbor, I turned back. I had considered landing and asking them about a human woman, but decided the risk was too great.
Besides, she couldn’t have gotten that far.
Theo lands on the balcony heavily. As he folds his wings in, he meets my eyes. We both see what we needed to know: Neither of us has found her trail.Fuck.
Theo crosses the room and pulls me into his arms without a word. I lay my head on his shoulder, lost.
“Not your fault, Ben. Shit, not even her fault, poor thing,” Theo murmurs.
I snap upright. “What do you mean, ‘not her fault’? Of course it is! She’s the one who refused to settle into her new life!”
Theo’s eyes search mine for a moment before he opens his mouth. Whatever he’s about to say is lost though, as Arch lands and strides in.
“Nothing south. So where is she?” Arch’s voice is measured, but I know he’s still upset.Insulted. Hurt.Struggling against his instincts as he has seeded her and considers her ours. Our omega, if you will, despite her being a human.
Theo answers, voice measured and trained, in full Ranger mode, “Tricksy bitch must have went east. Let’s grab a drink and some food and head out together.”
NO TRACKS TO BE FOUNDaround the lake.
We land on the far side, just past the swampy edge.
“Remind me,” Arch starts, looking at me, “What you know of her parents.”
