I squeeze my thighs around Chaos’s flank, urging him to move faster. The sooner we get to our destination, a series of nearby caves, the better.
Two years ago, I hunted a criminal who’d escaped from the Night’s Edge, a prison near Rosebridge. The felon had foundrefuge in the caves, although he didn’t get far before I caught him and brought him back.
If we can reach them in time, the caves should provide adequate shelter for the day.
And if we don’t . . .
Reaching down, I tap my sword, its presence reassuring. I will fight for us if needed. I spoke the truth, earlier—I will not let the gods-blessed go without a fight.
No one, not even Wren, can stop me from staying by her side.
Fall back and keep an eye on the road, I direct Mist.Make sure we aren’t being followed.
She inclines her head, fading back into the woods. We keep riding, the suns beginning their daily march across the horizon. Pushing away the darkness, they cast yellowed rays over the sky. Despite the lingering chill, I can tell that it’ll be a sunny, warm day. Good for travel, but unfortunate for us, since it’ll be easier for our pursuers to chase us.
I lean forward in my saddle, urging Chaos to move faster. Sweeping my eyes across the horizon, I search for the break in the trees that will lead to the caves.
It should be?—
An anxious thrum fills my chest. A warning from my trusted partner. I look over my shoulder, my breath catching in my throat. Sure enough, Mist is right.
We’re being followed.
Dust billows behind us as three riders race down the trade road. My gut churns, a bitter warning that I cannot ignore. These aren’t travelers—they’re coming for us. I know it like I know my own name.
Fuck.
My heart slams against my ribs, and I cling to the reins. We need to get away from the Broken Road right now.
“Hold on, little bird,” I murmur.
Wren doesn’t make a sound as I clamp my arm around her, dragging her back until she’s pressed against me, the curve of her ass melding against my front. A chorus erupts inside me, and at any other time, I’d grin. Sharing a horse with a beautiful woman is not a hardship, and that incessant pull within me is pleased by our nearness.
There’s no time for that, though.
As soon as Wren is secure, I jerk Chaos’s reins and squeeze my thighs. The gelding responds to my direction immediately, veering off the road and into the bushes. Early morning light filters through the trees, their arms waving as we pass.
“Keep your head down.” Leafless branches reach for our faces, intent on leaving their marks behind on our skin. “You don’t want a stick in the eye.”
Wren lowers her head without a word, and warmth curls in my stomach as a result.
So shecanlisten.
We race through the trees, passing fallen logs, bushes, and a babbling brook as we go deeper into the woods. After a few minutes, the anxious thrum in my chest dims.
I risk a glance over my shoulder, and there’s nothing but the endless forest all around us.
“The coast is clear, we’re alone,” I murmur.
Unsurprisingly, Wren doesn’t respond.
Trying not to let the silence get to me, I blow out a long breath and shake out my shoulders. That was far too close for comfort.
By the time we arrive at our destination, the suns have fully risen.
In the summer, the caves are barely visible through a veil of leaves. Even now, they’re surrounded by dozens of thick brown trees and bushes that remain green despite the season.
I direct Chaos inside the largest entrance. Like the well-trained steed that he is, he doesn’t balk even when his hooves clop against the stone. His movements are slower, not that I blame him. It’s been a long night, and we’re all tired.
