Chapter Fifty-four (Dane's POV) present Time…

Ten days after Vrionis’ attack, I decided to somewhat resume our regular schedule and go hurting with my little ones.

“Hunting?! Are you serious? They are barely four years old!” Saraya exclaimed with a widened gaze.

“How do you think they learn how to defend themselves?” I asked, giving her a teasing stare. She frowned, swallowed and her indignation turned into concern with a tinge of terror.

“It is a form of training then?” she asked gingerly.

“Uh-huh,” I replied, lifting Tabitha from my feet. Saraya promptly carried Keanu.

“What do they hunt?” she asked. I could feel her fear and it almost made me laugh. If only she knew.

“There is a part of central Northlands somewhere in the woods where we often have an infestation of creatures that are so far gone that they can not be saved. They used to trickle into town to kidnap females and children to feed on, rape, torture—”

“I get the picture!” she exclaimed, interrupting me, shaking her body visibly with contorted features of