Morning light stretched across the Lair as the horses shifted impatiently beneath their riders.
Eliora sat in front of Zarek on his horse, his arm wrapped loosely but securely around her waist while his other hand held the reins. The warmth of his body pressed against her back.
The lair behind them was quiet.
Every seer had already left the night before, just as Zarek had commanded. The clearing that had once been filled with tents, voices, and movement now looked strangely empty.
Only four of them remained.
Not far ahead, Lily was already seated on her horse, calm and composed as always, waiting.
Maelina was still untying her horse from the wooden post.
Zarek's voice cut through the morning air.
"Be fast."
Maelina glanced up briefly but kept working.
"We cannot stop until we reach Volkar," Zarek added.
Eliora stiffened in front of him. She turned on the saddle to look back at him.
"What?" she gasped. "That's too far."
