“What the hell, man? I’m not hurting some kid,” another guy hissed. “And I already almost got caught when I tried to take them from the school.”

“Shut up,” the first man barked.

I urged Mia on, praying for her feet to move faster. We almost passed the large tree when I froze. There was a small opening in the trunk. Not big enough for me. But large enough for Mia.

I bent, motioning her over. “You’re going to hide in here, okay? You stay here until I come get you. Promise? Only come out for someone you trust. Only our family, okay?”

Her lip trembled. “It’s dark in there.”

“I know, sweetie, but you’re so brave. And you know who probably lives in there?”

“Who?”

I tried my best to force a smile. “Faeries. But you have to be very quiet. It’s the only way they’ll show themselves to you.”

“Okay.” Her voice trembled. “You’ll come back for me, right?”

“I promise.”

She slowly forced herself inside the tree trunk, Luci still in her arms. I tucked a hand inside and squeezed her knee. “I love you. I’ll be back soon.”

“Love you, Cae Cae.”

I jogged away from the tree, hoping I hadn’t lied. It didn’t matter. All that mattered was leading the men away from Mia. I skirted the pond, remaining in the shelter of the trees. When I reached the other side, I knew I was running out of places to go. The rest of Griffin’s land was far too open.

I scanned the trees around me. There was only one option. Up. I found a pine that had some branches low enough for me to reach. With a running jump, I hoisted myself up onto the lowest limb. The bark bit into my hands, but I didn’t utter a sound.

With as much care as possible, I went from branch to branch until I could be sure I was at least somewhat hidden from any prying eyes below. I strained to hear anything, but only the wind sounded. Sliding my fingers into my back pocket, I pulled out my phone. Quickly, I turned it to silent and brought up a new text. I bit down on my bottom lip as I considered my options. I added Griffin and Parker to the chat.

I typed out a message, explaining that there were two intruders, where I’d hidden Mia, and roughly where I was located. Within seconds, there was a reply.

Griffin: Stay where you are. I’m coming.

Parker: Griffin, do not engage. We’re two minutes out.

Griffin: I’m armed. Let your officers know.

The messages flew back and forth before I could interject a response. Help was coming. We would be okay.

Voices cut through the air. Footsteps came closer and closer. “I know you’re here somewhere. There are only so many places you can go, Caelyn…”