Page 3 of Moonlit Guardians
“We can’t go back the way we came,” Dragan says. “And there’s only one tunnel the goblins avoided.”
“That’s our safest bet to get out of here,” I say as I face him.
“Eilish, I need you to scout ahead,” Dragan says to her.
She doesn’t respond. I follow her gaze and realize she’s staring at the blood on her hands. My knuckles brush her cheek as I lift Pyre from the ground.
“Eilish, you need to concentrate,” I say firmly. “We need you to stay with us so we can get out of here.”
Dragan nears her and throws his arm around her as she leans into him. Although I wish it could be me who offers her solace, I’m glad someone can.
“Silvanus is out of hiding,” Pyre says. “Which means those who are hunting him will be here soon, if they aren’t already.”
Eilish’s hands tremble slightly. Her eyes flicker up to mine and she nods, separating from Dragan as she heads toward the tunnel. Pyre wobbles on unsteady legs, but I help him stay upright. He leans against me until we reach another cave not far from the edge of the glade. The trek back to Theren is long and cold, but once we get close, I pick up a scent I recognize. It’s the same scent from hunting Morrigan in the Veil.
Her blood. Here.
I look to Dragan and notice he’s picked up the scent, as well.
Morrigan is hurt.
***
DRAGAN
Delendren Glade
Eilish is ahead, scouting the trail as Baron suggested. My eyes never leave her. She’s far calmer than I would’ve expected after we all witnessed her killing her father. Eilish is strong, yes, but I hope that strength hasn’t made her numb to loss and… death.
I allowed myself to get to that point and I didn’t do myself any favors. I want her to learn from our mistakes, not repeat them.
When Eilish is a good twenty feet in front of us, I turn to Pyre and Baron, breaking the silence. “I was surprised to see Silvanus,” I start.
“I was too,” Baron answers.
“You didn’t think it seemed… convenient?”
Baron looks over at me. “What do you mean?”
I shrug. “All the times she’s been in danger, he shows up now. Why?”
Baron grits his teeth as I come on his other side to help assist Pyre through the trees. “Silvanus is a wild card. None of us knows what his true intentions are.”
“I agree,” I say. “He’s no more trustworthy than Morrigan…well, until he proves otherwise.”
“Yes,” Baron says as he looks over at me. Eilish pauses up ahead so we do the same. I glance at Pyre and notice he’s unconscious. Baron notices as well and helps me assist Pyre to the ground. Eilish turns to face us and noticing Pyre’s condition, she makes her way back.
Baron looks at me and says quickly, “We’ll have to keep this between the two of us.”
“What?”
“Our feelings about Silvanus.”
“Why?”
“Theren and Cambion are still trying to atone for their actions. Pyre has enough to deal with, and Aima is still healing. Eilish would allow her heart to cloud her judgment, so I think it’s best if our suspicions go unnoticed.”
“Agreed.”
