We doused the fire and filed out. The moon was a bit brighter, and the air had turned quite crisp. Eva and the guys had donned their cloaks and Estrid wore mine. I wrapped my blanket around my shoulders. Memories tugged. Not the first time nor, I was sure, the last that I’d used my blanket as a cloak. Knowing I’d warm up once we were underway, I ignored the chilly breeze.

Kerrick scouted ahead as we hiked northeast at a cautious pace. Estrid’s bumbling seemed overly loud and I thought we’d be marked for sure. No one talked. Throughout the night, off notes and crunchings of others sounded closer than I’d liked. A few times, Kerrick stopped us and we hunkered down until the danger passed. At those times, my heart pumped hard as if I’d just sprinted uphill.

By dawn, we twitched at every unexpected noise. Kerrick found another cave for us to hide in.

“Lots of patrols around,” he said at the entrance. “No fire this time.”

“What’s the watch schedule?” Quain asked.

“I’ll stay in the forest. No one’s going to get close without my knowledge,” Kerrick said.

Quain looked at Loren.

“Sounds good,” Loren said, ducking inside. I followed and set up my bedroll for Estrid to use. Then I joined Kerrick outside. “Did you tell Loren what happened to you?”

“Not all of it, but he trusts me.” Strain shone on his face.

“Kerrick, relax.”

He held out his hand. I laced my fingers in his. He dropped his normal camo and I turned foresty.

“You did more than scout, didn’t you?” I asked.

“Cellina’s army is determined to find us.”

Not good. “Us in particular, or the members of Ryne’s attack teams?”

“I don’t know, but they’re being very methodical.”

“Then you need to rest.” I tugged him down to his bedroll, spooning in next to him.

He smoothed my hair off my neck, then draped his arm around my waist, pulling me tight against him. “I’d hoped to consult my prophetess on my future.” His voice sounded husky and his fingers slid under my tunic.

“Can you sense other people in the forest while you’re sleeping?” I asked.

“No, but the living green sends me a...pulse, a warning of danger if anyone comes near me.”

“Did it do that before?”

“No. What does this have to do with my future?” Kerrick’s hand moved lower.

I grabbed his hand, trapping it on my stomach. “The prophetess says you will sleep now because it’s vital.”

Kerrick made a small huff of disappointment.

“You’re guaranteed to get lucky when we’re safe. Better?”

“Oh, yes.” He kissed my neck and nibbled on my ear.

“Behave or I’ll sleep in the cave.”

He chuckled. “An empty threat. Besides, we’re safe right now.”