Chapter 9

The Binding Ties

The following morning was gloomy and tense. The entire camp was bathed in a gloomy grey as the clouds above grew with the promise of rain. Lena moved robotically, correcting a warrior's stance, assisting with drills, and nodding briefly when someone talked to her, but her thoughts were not at all there.

She was troubled by Kieran's remarks.

Lena noticed Damian talking softly to Elliot and Jace by the main firepit after the training was over. She became tense at their solemn looks and hushed voices. She thought about coming closer, but changed her mind and turned to face the camp's edge.

The woodland called her back to the place where her world had fallen apart the previous evening, looming like a black curtain.

"Are you running away again?"

Lena turned to see Jace with his arms folded and leaning against a tree. His typical playfulness was gone from his smirk.

"Just pondering," she remarked.

"That is what you have been doing a lot lately." His eyes grew softer. "What happened?"

She paused. She wanted to release the weight, but the words stuck in her throat. How could she justify witnessing her deceased brother still alive and supporting the enemy?

She lied, saying, "I am fine."

Jace looked at her for a longer period of time than usual, but he did not press. "Watch out, Lena."

With a nod, she disappeared into the woods.

Her heartbeat became stronger as she descended more, overpowering the sound of birds tweeting and the rustle of leaves. After a while, she was back where she had seen Kieran. Fearing that he could come again, she searched the surroundings.

The woods stayed silent for hours.

As the sun began to set, she went back to camp, exhausted and frustrated. Damian arrived just as she was about to reach her tent, obstructing her way.

He said, "We need to talk."

Lena tensed her shoulders. "How about?"

"You have something to hide." He looked into her face with his beautiful eyes. "I sense it."

Her fists clenched. "You are reading my mind now?"

"Avoid deflecting," he added softly. "Since the battle, you have been aloof."

Lena's heart pounded. She was unable to inform him. Not quite yet.

Rather, she lied and braced herself. "I am simply exhausted."

Damian's mouth clenched. "We have a bigger problem than the rogues if you do not trust me."

His remarks were painful. She pushed past him into her tent, biting back her answer.

The silence inside was overwhelming. The weight of uncertainty made every part of her hurt.

It was restless when it did fall asleep.

Hours later, she was awakened by a harsh knock.

Jace cried out, "Lena." "Awaken. We have something.

Rubbing her eyes, she went out into the drizzle. Elliot and Damian were standing over the map table in the battle room, which Jace had shown her.

"What is happening?" she enquired.

Elliot gestured towards a map. Scouts discovered rogue footprints. A new path heading east.

"Too near the ridge," Damian continued. "They will have a view of the camp if they ascend there."

Lena's heart fell. She kept thinking about Kieran's admonition. Was there a bigger agenda behind this?

Damian remarked, "We move at dawn." He glanced in her direction. "Everyone."

Lena gave a rigid nod.

As they moved on at first light, the ridge towered over them. It was difficult to see far ahead because of the mist that coiled around the sharp rocks. With their senses keen and their blades drawn, the warriors moved silently.

With every nerve on edge, Lena remained near Damian and Jace.

The ambush arrived quickly.

The morning air was torn by the howling of the rogues that poured out of the fog. Chaos broke out as steel met steel. Lena struggled, but her gaze flitted, looking—waiting.

Then she caught sight of him.

Kieran, watching from the edge of the ridge.

Their eyes met.

He nodded, barely perceptible, but Lena saw it. A caution.

She saw it a few seconds later. Another group of outlaws, moving in circles on either side of the fighters.

Lena yelled without hesitation, "Damian! Behind us!

The second wave surged, and he spun. The warriors barely held the line as they changed positions.

Lena's thoughts were racing. They had just been saved by Kieran. Had he?

The rogues melted back into the fog as the battle continued. However, the harm had already been done. A number of fighters lay wounded, some more seriously.

Back in camp, things were gloomy.

After dark, Damian cornered Lena.

“Did you not see him?” He enquired.

Lena gasped for air. "Who?"

"Kieran."

There was silence between them.

"Yes," she eventually acknowledged.

Damian let out a long sigh. "He poses a threat."

"You were aware of his existence."

Damian's face became stern. "I had a suspicion."

Lena's tone faltered. "What kept you from telling me?"

"Because I did not think you were prepared."

She became enraged. "You did not make that choice."

Damian took a step forward, his gaze softening. "This is more complicated than you realise, Lena."

She insisted, "Then tell me."

Damian merely shook his head, though. "Not just yet."

She struggled with feelings of betrayal and frustration.

Lena became aware of something icy as Damian left.

She found herself torn between two secretive men.

And there was not much time left.