Page 133 of Destiny of a King

His gaze went to the cottage, then beyond it toward the front of the village where his men were being held. Leaving them went against every instinct he possessed. But walking willingly into captivity would not free them.

He needed help, and he needed Adira away from whoever had gone to such trouble to bring them here.

Fiora suddenly flew higher. “Someone’s coming.”

Dravic’s caught Adira’s hand. “Stay with me.”

He tugged at her hand and ran, and she ran with him.

They crossed the open ground and disappeared among the trees just as voices sounded somewhere behind the cottage.

Dravic didn’t look back.

He kept Adira’s hand locked firmly in his as they moved deeper into the forest, choosing the thickest cover he could find. They had no horses, no supplies beyond what they carried, and he had no idea how many men would soon be hunting them.

Worse, he didn’t know where the bloody hell they were.

He slowed only when the village could no longer be seen through the trees.

“Fiora.”

“I know,” the fairy said, flying close. “See if we’re being followed.”

“Aye and come straight back.”

She flew off.

Dravic continued forward, keeping Adira close. He needed distance between them and Dunvar before their escape was discovered. Once it was, every road and path would be watched.

A faint sound behind them made Adira turn, then stop.

Dravic was brought to a halt with her. “What’s wrong?”

Adira stared toward the trees behind them. She had heard something. Not clearly enough to know what it was, but distinctly enough to know they were no longer alone.

Dravic gestured for her to keep moving.

Adira remained as she was, realizing this could no longer continue. Not now. Not when the secret she’d been protecting could place them both in danger.

Dravic’s expression hardened with impatience. He pointed ahead and then motioned for her to follow.

Adira caught his hand before he could finish.

He scowled. “We cannot⁠—”

She rushed to touch her ear.

Dravic shook his head. “We have no time for⁠—”

Adira pointed to him and touched her ear, repeating the gesture over and over.

His brow creased and he shook his head. “It’s not possible.”

She nodded rapidly.

Dravic’s eyes widened. “You can hear me?”

Adira nodded.