“You’re not a warrior, Hunts Alone,” Willo said flatly. “And no amount of money will make you one.” She tossed down her stirring stick and swept into the Matriarch Lodge.

Han spent the next several days sulking. The continuing presence of the guests from Demonai were as irksome as a pebble in his boot. It was like having houseguests in the middle of a family fight. You just wanted them gone so you could speak your mind.

Not that he was exactly family, as he kept reminding himself.

The Demonai warriors in particular frayed his temper. Bird spent all her time with them, of course, all solemn-faced, hanging on Reid Demonai’s every word.

That was another thing—Han was disappointed in Bird. She could have defended Dancer when Reid Demonai attacked him.

Just like Han could have defended him too. No matter what Willo said.

The Demonai warriors fell silent when Dancer passed by, and left the fire circle when he joined it. They watched him constantly, like he was a mad dog or a venomous spider.

Han couldn’t help worrying that the Demonai warriors might go after Dancer if they caught him on his own. So he became a self-appointed spy, lingering near their fire, watching their comings and goings from camp, and listening in on their conversations.

Until one day, he was slipping through the forest, following Reid Demonai, probably to the privy, when Bird stepped into his path. She was dressed in her Demonai clothing, and she seemed to materialize out of shadow and sunlight.

“What do you think you’re doing?” she hissed.

“Doing?” He shrugged. “What does it look like I’m doing?”

“You’re playing a dangerous game is what. Do you think they don’t notice? They’re Demonai warriors,” she said, as if he hadn’t noticed.

He gave her a “So what?” look. “I’ve been walking in these woods all my life,” he said. “If it makes them jumpy, they should leave.”

“It’s only fair to warn you, Reid’s patience is wearing thin. He’s about ready to cut your throat.”

“He can try,” Han said, affecting indifference, though his heart beat faster. A confrontation with Reid Demonai seemed appealing.

“You don’t understand,” Bird persisted. “They’ve trained for this all their lives. They’re dangerous.”

“Really? Well, I’m dangerous too.” He felt like he was bragging in the school yard, but he couldn’t help himself. “Looks to me like they’re all bristle and no brains.”

“Shhh!” Bird glanced around, like Reid might be behind a nearby tree, listening. “Come on.” Moving with her usual catlike grace, she led him off the trail, down into a small ravine, to a place where two slabs of rock had slid together, forming a small cavelike shelter. Maiden’s kiss and columbine cascaded from the crevices, and a small stream tumbled along the floor of the canyon.