“I don’t want to wander. I want to go straight there.” If I didn’t keep making progress, I’d start to think about the consequences, and that would do nothing but paralyze me with fear.

“I promised you that I’d get you to him in time, and I mean to keep that promise. Okay?”

I nodded, but I wasn’t sure how he could really promise that.

Lucas started walking, looking for a good place to pop the tent.

“You found the way,” Gobble said as he reappeared and settled back down on my shoulder.

“No thanks to you.”

He made an unimpressed noise. “Not my job to do it for you.”

That was debatable, but at least I didn’t owe him anything. Being bound to an evil witch was bad enough.

Lucas set down our packs in a small break in the forest. “This is enough room for the tent and a fire.” He started taking out the tent and setting it up.

I sat down on a fallen log and slipped off my shoes. My feet had swollen from all the walking, but by the grace of God, I’d managed not to get blisters. I worked my thumbs into my arches as the sky turned dark and stars appeared. As I sat there, I realized I really had to pee.

The thought annoyed me. Camping was not at all in my comfort zone.

Somehow, I managed to put my shoes back on. I made sure I still had some tissues from in my purse and checked my cellphone. The battery was dying, but one bar appeared before going away. It kept flashing in and out—which would do me no good—but I wanted it keep it with me at all times. Just in case. “I’m going to go…” I motioned with my hands.

“Holler if you get lost on your way back,” Lucas said.

I started off to find a bit of privacy, making sure I was far enough that I’d avoid any embarrassment because of his Were hearing.

When I started back to the campsite, a glow caught my eye. Something…

Just a little ways off from us. I’d thought I could see because of the moonlight, but it was so much more than that. The aura was a pearlescent white.

I couldn’t help but investigate. I made my way through the forest, breaking branches as I went, but not caring. The closer I got, the faster I went.

“Where are you going?” Lucas said, suddenly behind me.

I let out a high-pitched screamed before I could stop myself. My heartbeat echoed in my ears. I hadn’t heard him—hadn’t known he was following me at all.