The second day of travel began with an argument.

"We're being followed more openly now," Marcus announced at dawn as they prepared to break camp. "At least five distinct scents, staying parallel to us but not bothering to hide their tracks. They want us to know they're there."

"Intimidation tactic," Garrett said, checking his horse's saddle. "Make us nervous, make us second-guess ourselves."

"It's working," Elena muttered.

Thomas was studying the tree line, his expression troubled. "Or they're herding us. Keeping us on a specific path toward a specific destination."

"Which means we should change our route," Arianna said.

"To what?" Marcus spread out his map. "We're in a natural...