Laura found Dante standing alone by the camp's edge. He was staring into the dark forest. His hands were clenched into fists.

But something was wrong.

"Dante?" she called softly.

He didn't turn around. "They should have been here by now."

"Who should have been here?"

"My people." His voice was tight. "I left warriors to protect the women and children. They were supposed to follow us."

Laura moved closer. She could see the tension in his shoulders. The way his jaw was set.

"How long has it been?"

"A week now." Dante finally looked at her. His red eyes were dark with worry. "Axel was leading them. He's never...