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Riley frowned. “Why would Lucan have his privileges revoked? What did he do wrong?”
Colton turned to her. “Lucan is a fledgling. He has just left the confines of the sanctuary. He lives with his father now while he trains to become a warrior, but when the clan goes into lockdown, he must return to the sanctuary. It’s a trying time for a fledgling.”
Oliver’s eyes sparkled with mirth. “That’s one way to put it.” He winked at Riley. “I’m sure Colton hasn’t told you about the multiple violations he incurred as a fledgling.”
Colton crossed his arms. “If I remember correctly, you were with me on every one of those excursions.”
Riley laughed. “Now I know this is a story I want to hear.”
Oliver winked. “I will tell you all about our wily youth, but I must complete the task Steele has set before me.”
Colton dropped his arms. “What area has Steele sent you out to patrol?”
Oliver glanced at the mountain. “I’m going to check the upper ridge. I’ll be back in a few hours.”
Colton shook Oliver’s hand before his shadow dissolved, and he was off to patrol.
Riley bumped Colton’s shoulder playfully. “I like him. I can’t wait to hear the stories about a young Colton breaking the rules. It’s hard to imagine that now.”
Colton sighed. “You’d be surprised.”
“Why?”
He shook his head, but there was a distance in his eyes. Something she couldn’t explain and made her uneasy. “I’m just being nostalgic, I guess.”
They walked for a few minutes before Riley stopped him. “Before we get to dad’s, can you tell me why you were upset about Anaisa coming to our territory?”
“It’s like she said. We are nervous about their power. It’s unclear what they could do to us if there was a war between the Haitians and the shadows.”
Riley stepped back. “Why would you think such a thing? She has been nothing but kind and accommodating to us.”
“Anaisa is, but she was not always the priestess, and it was a Bokor that cursed us. Even if relations with the Haitians are good while Anaisa is their leader, she is mortal. There are no guarantees that the next generation will hold true to her values.”
Riley allowed Colton to pull her to his side as they continued walking. “It doesn’t seem fair. We go to her all the time.”
“Yes. It’s become a habit, and one, quite honestly, we should break.”
“Why?” Riley asked.
“Despite our positive interactions with the priestess. The clan members are nervous. In light of what happened today, we cannot afford clan dissension. Our only chance of surviving the upcoming war is if we remain united. That will not happen if we openly align with the Haitians.”
Riley pursed her lips. “I understand what happened in the past, but it’s just that. You can’t live your life judging people by the actions of their ancestors. If that were true, I would have nothing to do with you.”
Colton stopped her. “What?”
“Your ancestors went into the human world and had a child with the women they chose. They then faked their death and stole the child from the woman they loved. If that practice were true today, you and I would not be standing here.”
Colton blew out a breath. “Fair enough.”
They walked for five more minutes before Daniel’s cabin came into view. A clan member nodded to Colton as they ascended the steps. He stood looking over the forest and surveying the surrounding land. “Is he protecting the cabin?”
“Yes. This cabin was built as a human front. If human authorities wish to inspect our property, this is where we have them meet. As a result, this home is not as well protected as our personal dwellings. The clan is adamant about keeping Daniel safe. One shadow is always posted near the cabin.”
“Does he know that?”
Colton winked. “Probably not, but let’s keep it that way.”
Daniel was sleeping in his chair when she and Colton arrived. Ferguson stood by the mantel and Anaisa was putting a flannel blanket over Daniel’s legs.
