Daria's POV

The old and fissured stones of the border of Blood Pact land lay half-covered with earth and moss before me. I drew my cloak more closely around me, and cursed the last ward between my lips. The wind glistened with one wave, and was calm. I was nothing to anyone who was looking. Just a ripple. Just a shadow.

"Stay close," I murmured.

Harriet squeezed my hand. "I won't let go."

Kael passed on before us, without saying a word. He raised his two fingers, and then one. Distinct voices were heard among trees. Guards. Laughing. Not worried. That meant Rylan felt safe.

Too safe.

Like ghosts we...