Chapter 115

THE forest canopy was lush with new leaves and the first tiny buds of spring, a few patches of snow still lingering in shadowed spots. Birdsong weaved through the branches as colorful birds flew in the cool breeze. The small village hidden within the foliage was hectic with activity. Some villagers were out foraging, while some were herding the sheep and goats. Others were doing laundry, and some were working on expanding a few of the huts. Even more villagers were in the midst of preparing enough food for a feast.

At the edge of all the activity, Faline shifted impatiently on the balls of her feet. Lucian was held in her arms, his little hands gripping at the pendant dangling from his mother’s neck as his blue eyes glanced at the passing villagers. Hēdin was on her left side while Iwaoka stood on her right, his boot tapping with excited energy on the fresh grass and his expression even more impatient than hers. It wasn’t too surprising; Faline had seen Hunter and Ailene a lit