Chapter 10

Fallen leaves crushed beneath Amerie’s boots. The calls of crows filled the air around her. She was getting close to the small house where Kierian had brought her.

Before she forgot, she pulled out her phone and sent Everett a quick message asking for a rain check. He responded quickly, saying he had planned to suggest the same thing when she got to work but had just heard she was taking the day off. He told her to feel better and promised to update her on the search efforts, then Amerie pocketed her phone.

If she didn’t know any better, the forest would seem a peaceful place. Sunshine warmed her face. The trees blocked a gentle breeze that caused the high and thin branches to sway slightly. The occasional squirrel darted across her path, no doubt preparing for winter.

She’d seen no evidence of an Embertaur. There had also been no sign of the white wolf or black eagle, both of which she’d grown so accustomed to seeing that it felt odd to not.

She stepped into a clearing with tall