Ryker pulled Elara along the narrow path, his grip tight on her hand. She stumbled once on a root, but he steadied her without breaking stride. His breath came harsh, but his senses were sharper than ever—every shout from the village, every crash of boots echoing against stone, painted the danger behind them.They broke through a thicket, branches scratching at their cloaks, and came upon a hollow where the stream trickled downhill. Ryker halted, chest heaving.“Elara,” he said, crouching low. “We can’t keep to the open. They’ll hunt the ridges. We’ll take the streambed—mask our tracks.”She nodded, her face pale, auburn locks spilling from her hood like fire against shadow. “I trust you.”The words nearly undid him. Trust—she gave it so freely, though the world crumbled around them. He squeezed her hand once more, then stepped into the cold water, leading her downstream, careful to place her feet where his had already broken the surface.Behind them, Rae’s voice rang sharp against t
Last Updated : 2025-10-18 Read more