AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter 30
“There’s the plantation,” Flare said, leaning against the cave’s exit.
Moonlight stretched into the cave, making his silver streak glow and turning his eyes a deeper shade of green.
“Yes,” I said, reclining opposite him, spying on the plantation. Fiery torches dotted the landscape below.
Once the moon hit its zenith in the sky, we’d make our move.
The rest of our team sat behind us, taking a rest. Some nibbled on snacks they’d brought with them. Phantom chipped at the ground with his dagger. Shadow discussed something with Grimm.
When I turned back to the cave’s opening, Flare was staring at me.
“Are you trying to steal my man?” Flare asked, giving me a wicked grin.
Despite the apprehension welling up inside me, I cracked a small smile. “All’s fair in love and war.” Out of anyone, I knew Flare would catch on.
“Heartbroken.” Flare crossed his hands over his bare chest, highlighting his bulging pecs.
My eyes lingered there for a little too long.
He sighed dramatically. “I don’t stand a chance if you’re in the race.”
I rested my head against the cave and laughed, the tension in my shoulders spilling out. Hell, I’d needed a good escape from the grave atmosphere surrounding me.
“So you and Pup haven’t…you know?” I said, poking my finger through a hole made from my other thumb and forefinger.
Flare feigned shock. “My babe’s very traditional. An after-marriage type.”
I let out a hooting laugh and felt everyone’s eyes on me. Wonder if they’d overheard our conversation. What would they think of me, speaking in a manner so unbecoming of a lady? I supposed I no longer cared. Once I got my home back, I was Ward of Tritonia, a powerful position in Haven, only below the sea king. Let them say what they liked. I no longer cared for their opinions. All I cared about was what Shadow and Phantom thought of me…and dare I admit it, even what Flare thought of my relationship with them.
I stayed with Flare in silence. That was what I liked about him. He might have broken every other rule. Pushed all my buttons. Stepped over many of my boundaries. But he never pried when I made it clear I didn’t want to speak.
Boots scraping on the rock sometime later told me it was time.
Grimm nodded to everyone and the group.
I pulled out my dagger in preparation. We had no idea who we might encounter on our travels to the camp’s walls. We climbed down from the tunnel exit, scampered through the bushes, and raced across the grassy field until we hit the boundary of the camp.
Solid wooden poles fenced off the plantation, preventing the shifters from getting out. Our only way in was under the barrier or through the gates. As Hunter and Axe both set to work digging a trench for us, an idea hit me.
I wandered over to Grimm. “What if we set fire to the fence? We’d be able to free a lot more shifters that way.”
“It would draw too much attention,” Grimm replied.
“Not if we set off several,” Shadow said, supporting me. “One in each direction. It would create confusion amongst the guards. They wouldn’t know which one to focus on while the shifters escaped in the direction closest to the cave.”
Brilliant plan.I gave Shadow’s hand an encouraging squeeze. But then I thought of the cost to him. “What about your farm?”
Grimm nodded. “The fire could destroy it.”
“Saving everyone is more important,” Shadow said, his hand positioned over his stomach. “We can always rebuild.”
My stomach fluttered with admiration for him. His determination, his regard for those he loved, and his strong sense of family made him incredibly irresistible.
Grimm rubbed his chin. “If Shadow is in agreement, then we will light the west-facing fire last.”
Shadow gave an emphatic nod.
