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Even as he wanted to shake her for taking foolhardy risks, he felt an overwheluard the vulnerability he saw in her eyes just then

“Aye” He only wished the old earl had thought to protect her long before now—before she’d grown co into treacherous forests alone “Because in case you failed to notice, there is a predator lurking in the woods”

He’d alether when he discovered her sneaking froht But after she’d lied to hie of the Caladan earl—he feared shethat could lead hiely corown men

A clap of thunder made her jump and he steered her away fro to the keep as the downpour picked up volume

Sheltering her under his arm, he deflected the worst of the rain, but the sound of it drowned out her words when she turned to say so to him

“What?” He lifted his voice, certain no one could track them in weather like this

Pausing, she rose on her toes as if to get closer to his ear Before she said anything, however, the sky lit up like noontiround

“Co his arm in the opposite direction of the keep

He follohere she led, scarcely able to see in front of hi illuminated the trees The air hummed with the force of the storm as their feet kicked up mud If they didn’t find shelter soon, he would insist they return to the oman’s hut to wait out the storm At least there they would be dry

Butcreek—the same here they’d met earlier that day Except here, downriver fro shadow rose at the water’s edge A squat stone structure of some sort

She darted toward the building—an abandonedher behind him and his hand on his sword What if the killer hid here, in the mill? At very least, any manner of thieves could take shelter here

He found the rotted wooden door and shoved it open A startled bird flew out, but all remained quiet inside otherwise