CHAPTER NINETY-THREE

The morning sun peeks over the horizon, its golden rays filtering through the castle windows as we prepare to depart. Three sleek vehicles are lined up in the courtyard - the first carrying a team of expert trackers and seasoned warriors, the third filled with more skilled fighters to serve as our guard. Caleb and I will ride in the second car, sandwiched securely between our protective details.

I didn't see the need to waste any more time, so I made the decision for us to travel the next day. Lily and I had already pored over every possible meaning behind Eric's abrupt silence last night. The only conclusion we could draw was that he must have found himself in grave danger, though from what threat, we couldn't begin to guess. 

A knot of dread forms in my gut at the thought of hunters being involved. Those sadistic bastards may slink in the shadows these days after my father brought their former leader to his knees years ago. But they're still out there, and if th