“Hey, lovebirds,” Quain called. “Stop raking the leaves. It’s time to go.”

I broke off the kiss. “Raking the leaves? Is this one of those guy euphemisms?”

Kerrick sighed. “No that’s a Quain-ism. He has many of them.”

“Don’t tell me.”

We returned to the campsite hand in hand. The others had shouldered their packs and waited for me.

“I’ll be at that southern exit,” Kerrick promised, whispering in my ear.

“I’ll see you there.”

Kerrick and I shared one more kiss before he pulled power and we appeared normal.

Odd frowned at us. “We need to leave now or we’ll miss the shift change.”

I squeezed Kerrick’s hand before letting go. Picking up my knapsack, I slung it over my back. “I’m ready.”

The monkeys and Flea said goodbye to Kerrick. I tapped my chest over my heart in a silent goodbye to him. He smiled.

Setting the pace, Odd walked in front with Flea next to him. I stayed between Quain and Loren, and the rest of the odd squad followed behind. After a few steps, I glanced back. Kerrick stood in the same spot, watching us. His hand rested on the center of his heart.

Unable to stop the silly grin from spreading over my face, I faced forward. Who’d have thought Kerrick had a sentimental side? Not me.

“Uh, Avry, or rather, Irina. You’re supposed to be contrite and repentant,” Quain said.

“I will be once we get closer.”

“As long as we’re not surprised by a patrol. Without weed boy, we don’t— Ow!” An acorn clipped Quain’s forehead, leaving a red mark.

“You were saying?” I asked.

“Forget it.” Quain rubbed his temple and glared into the woods.

We continued on in silence. Before we reached the city’s gates, I tucked a few essential items into the various pockets of my robe and clothes underneath. They’d probably confiscate my pack and search it.

A two-story-high cerulean-blue marble wall surrounded the city of Chinska Mare. Thin white veins snaked through the smooth marble. According to Ives, the city had two gates, one on the west side and the other on the east.

A line of people and wagons waited to enter the city. Odd led us to the end of the queue. A few of those waiting nearby turned and stared at us. I gazed at the worn cobblestones as if dejected. We shuffled forward until it was our turn to state our business.

Odd started to explain, but the guard waved us through with an impatient gesture, just like Ives had predicted. Ives and the men who knew the city the best moved up to the point position and led us through the narrow unmarked streets.