He put his arms around her, drawing her closer to him. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”
Willow nodded against his chest before standing.
Christian kept his arm around her shoulders as they strolled back to the hatch. He felt a sudden chill and paused, his gaze darting around the woods. He stiffened as a twig snapped in the distance. Beside him, Willow’s body tensed as she peered into the dimness of the forest. She had heard it, too.
His stare shot from side to side, checking every shadow with his eyes. “We should enter through the inn.” He didn’t think anyone was watching, but it was never wrong to be cautious.
Willow nodded and walked through the weeds toward the inn, glancing at the surrounding trees.
Christian stood still for an instant longer. Thick tree trunks and bushes offered numerous hiding places.
Maybe it was an animal. Perhaps it was a falling branch.
And maybe it wasn’t.
He trailed Willow, casting one last look over his shoulder.
Chapter Four
Willow dragged her feetas if trying to make the corridor longer. She continually slowed their progress, hoping to avoid having to tell Raven and Sage about her discovery. Fear tightened in her chest as she imagined what it must be like to board a giant creaking ship that would dip and sway over the vast waters. The thought of traveling through water above her head was paralyzing. She reached out to clasp Christian’s comforting hand.
Christian walked beside her, rubbing his thumb over her knuckles in calming circles. He cast concerned glances at her.
Pons smiled as they approached the door. “You’re back!” he exclaimed.
Willow inhaled and reached for her belt. She pulled out a small white flower and handed it to him. “I thought you would like this.”
Pons took it in his grubby fingers and stared at it with a scowl. “What does a warrior want with a flower?”
Willow shrugged. “I thought it might bring you some light.”
“I’ve no need of such a womanly thing,” he said but didn’t drop the flower.
Christian turned toward the door.
As Willow took a step, she heard Pons mumble, “Thank you.” She paused momentarily, and the warmth of his gratitude hit her like an invisible hug. She gave him a soft smile before following Christian into the room.
Landyn was speaking with a Templar knight, Raven at his side. When Raven saw them, she stood and stalked across the room.
Willow cringed. Another tongue-lashing. Another chastisement.
But as Raven approached, Christian stepped protectively in front of Willow to block Raven’s path. He shook his head. “Not now.”
“Not now?” Raven demanded in angry shock. She poked a finger into his chest. “After everything that I told her yesterday? I’m trying to watch out for my family. She can’t just leave.” Raven moved around Christian to face Willow. “What were you thinking? You can’t…” She took a deep breath to calm herself. “Willow. You’re not a child. It’s dangerous.”
“You sound like Father,” she said softly with a gentle grin. She meant it as a compliment.
“Good. Someone should.”
Willow dropped her gaze, her lower lip quivering.
Raven’s lips parted in surprise. She stepped closer to her, her hands outstretched in concern. “Will—”
“Willow needs to rest,” Christian explained. “She’ll be better after she gets some sleep.”
Willow’s jaw tensed, and her gaze darted away from Raven’s probing eyes. She bit her lip as if to contain the secret with the force of her teeth. Her hands clenched into fists, an instinctive and desperate attempt to protect herself against a truth she was not yet ready to share.
Raven’s brow furrowed as she studied Willow’s face, trying to discern what was wrong. Her voice was kind as she asked, “Are you sure that’s all it is? You don’t have to keep anything from me. You don’t have to be afraid.”
