“It’s just a few more hours out here. How much trouble could we get in?”

It seemed unlucky to respond. But the decision was made, and Tristam informed the others.

His mood improved as he and Martin split up to find hiding places. The plan might not be a stroke of genius, but it felt good to be doing something different. A fallen log beside a boulder provided adequate cover, and Tristam settled behind it after brushing away his footprints. Despite the log’s musty smell, it was a comfortable hiding spot.

Eventually, the birds and insects started calling again. Intermittently, Tristam whistled and heard Martin’s whistle in response. As it grew darker, the air became cooler. Thankfully, it was warm for early summer, and his cloak kept him comfortable. The moon was just beginning to rise when a twig snapped close by.

Curious, Tristam peered around the log. Several shadows passed a few paces from his hiding place. Large shadows. Tristam jumped to attention. He waited until the footsteps grew fainter, then slipped out of his hiding place. Ahead, he could see something moving. Broad shapes, with four legs and a feline grace. A thrill of excitement ran through him and he followed, ignoring his doubts about the wisdom of trailing several enormous beasts.

The shadows moved at a quick pace, weaving between the trees, when suddenly, they merged with the rest of the forest. Tristam blinked. The forest was still.

“You’re far from the city, knight.” A lightly accented voice spoke from behind him.

Tristam spun around and inhaled sharply.

It was her. The dark blond hair, leather clothing, the haughty tilt of her chin. After weeks of nightmares, there was no way he’d fail to recognize that face. Tristam’s hand went to his sword.

“Keep that in its sheath unless you wish your throat torn open.”

Tristam saw the cat then, advancing on his left with hungry eyes. For a moment, Tristam struggled against the compulsion to lunge for the woman anyway, avenge Jack before the cat reached him. Then, something moved in his periphery, and Tristam snapped his head around to see another beast approaching from the other side. Slowly, Tristam let go of his sword.

“What are you doing here?” asked the woman.

“I could ask the same thing of you, barbarian.” He should have been terrified, but his fear was fading away, replaced by weeks of suppressed rage. All he wanted to do was hurt her. Make her pay for what she’d done, whether he survived or not.

The Demon Rider tilted her head, looking at him curiously. “We’ve met before.”

“We have.”

“Your friend,” she said slowly. “He was careless.”

“He was doing his duty.”

“And now you wish to avenge him. That is unwise.”

“I will avenge him.”