AllFreeNovel
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Yes, the girl was in danger.
They all were.
chapter
thirteen
Vigil met them on the path back to their cabin, his face a blank mask, giving nothing away. “You can’t be out here. These woods are dangerous at night.”
“We’re fine.” Cal stepped in front of Ellie, blocking her from Vigil’s view. She was still pale, and he could feel the tremors of fear under his hand on her back. She didn’t need this muscled meathead frightening her more. “Just needed some fresh air after... whatever that was.”
Vigil studied them for a moment, his gaze flicking between their faces before finally landing on Cal. “You saw her, didn’t you? The girl.”
Ellie sucked in a sharp breath. Cal pulled her closer to his side and gave her a gentle squeeze of warning. It probably wasn’t the best plan going undercover with the world’s worst poker player.
“What girl?”
Vigil’s expression was stony. “Are you here to help her?”
Well, fuck. Their cover story had lasted all of twelve hours. He’d hoped they’d at least get a couple days before things started unraveling.
Cal kept his gaze steady, not letting Vigil see a flicker of surprise. He made a pretense of looking puzzled. “I’m sorry. I think you have the wrong idea.”
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ellie give him a sharp look. He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze behind his back, silently telling her to trust in him.
Vigil crossed his arms over his chest, scrutinizing them. “The fuck I do,” he finally said. “I know who you are. Who you both are. I’m the one who cleared you to come here.” His stern demeanor melted into something more pleading. “She needs help. We all do.”
Before Cal could respond, Serenity appeared on the path. “There you are. You had us all so worried.”
Vigil’s expression hardened back into the unreadable mask. “Go back to your cabin. We’ll discuss this in the morning.” He turned to Serenity, who was wringing her hands nervously. “Keep an eye on them,” he ordered and disappeared into the darkness.
Once he was out of sight, Serenity turned to them with an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry if Vigil scared you. He’s very protective of all of us.”
“It’s fine,” Cal said. “We’re fine.”
Her smile didn’t waver, but something flashed in her eyes before she could hide it. “How did you like the ceremony?”
“It was…” He glanced at Ellie, not sure how to complete that sentence.
“A lot to take in,” she finished for him, her voice stronger than he expected. “I needed a moment to process it.”
Serenity nodded. “The energy can be overwhelming for newcomers. Shall I guide you back to your cabin?”
“Thank you.”
Serenity took them both by the hands and led them to their cabin.
The wooden cabin was large and spacious with a small sitting area, a kitchenette, and a single king-sized bed draped in white linen. Someone had lit a fire in the fireplace in the corner and the flames crackled merrily, casting a warm glow around the room.
Serenity gestured toward the bed. “You’re probably exhausted after your journey. Rest now. Tomorrow we begin at dawn with meditation.”
“Thank you,” Ellie said again.
She bowed and slipped out of the cabin as silently as she had come, leaving them alone.
Though, Cal suspected they were never completely alone within the commune’s walls.
Wordlessly, he stripped off the green robe, the smell of the oil now nauseating in the small, enclosed space.
