The four of them moved to a small clearing from which they could still see Nellis’ house. The sun peeking through the clouds and gentle swaying of the tall grass made their stroll almost seem momentarily idyllic. There was a thick grove of woods surrounding the meadow, except for the direction of Nellis’ house. As the four stared out towards the forest, the shadows between the trees seemed to grow darker and more ominous.
Addi and Nellis were just behind Wyatt, flanking him and standing with their weapons ready. “How quick do you think he will respond?” Nellis questioned.
“Depends on how close he is, but I don’t think it will take him long,” Wyatt replied.
“He is already very close and drawing nearer. He has been following our steps for a while, but he isn’t fully certain where we are yet,” Nev reported with her voice sounding distant. Slowly, she flexed her left arm out and tested its range of motion.
The thought that Sagrine was stalking them, even as they slept, was disturbing. Wyatt was beginning to understand just a hint of what Nev’s life had been like for the past twenty years. The realization made him more determined than ever to help her close this chapter. “Whenever you are ready, love,” Wyatt reassured, as he pulled out one of the leaves Nev had given him. Wyatt knew a headache would be coming, and it would be severe. He figured it was better to head it off at the pass a bit.
“We won’t let him break your concentration,” Addi insisted, nodding to Wyatt.
Wyatt gave Addi a quick smile and replied, “Thanks, sis. I’ll owe you one.”
The three watched as Nev walked around the clearing for a few minutes. She was trying to determine where best to strike from and to clear her head. Having settled on a spot, she let the upcoming battle unfold in her mind. The location wasn’t perfect, but it would do. At least, she would likely be able to keep Wyatt in her sights from this position. She took a deep breath and walked to the location she’d chosen and pulled the amulet out from under her shirt. It was already lightly glowing. Destiny awaits, she thought. She cleared her mind of everything except two thoughts. Protect Wyatt and make it right, she repeated to herself over and over again. She grabbed the amulet, and it immediately began to glow even brighter with its purple light.
Wyatt focused on the gem’s energy, just like he had at the cabin. He pushed his power into it. Suddenly, the light forcefully exploded outward in a radiant purple blast. Prepared for the surge, Wyatt stood his ground this time.
Nev maintained her footing as well and stretched her thoughts and senses out. Show me, she commanded.
Addi and Nellis eventually regained their composure and waited for the bait to be taken.
Wyatt focused his thoughts on Nev. She would sense the prowler first, and it was her signal to hide her that he would be waiting for.
Chapter 41
Sagrine felt the energy call to him and immediately sprinted in the direction it came from. So close, he thought as he ran towards the prey that had eluded him for so very long. The branches whipped and tore at his armor, but he ignored everything except for her. He would reach her very soon.
Twenty minutes or so had passed when Nev felt him. He was almost upon them, and he was alone. “Soon,” she signaled. After alerting the others, she pushed her body to calm and her mind to steady.
Addi, Nellis, and Wyatt all nodded and did what they could to prepare themselves mentally.
Nev pulled out her dagger and sword. She felt Wyatt’s familiar squeeze, envelop her hands, and nodded in appreciation. She steadied herself as she felt the prowler drawing ever closer and then thought one word, Now!
Wyatt heard her and immediately focused his thoughts. His mind would be open and unprotected from Sagrine’s assaults save a singular thought, You will not see her!
A malevolent shadow began to take shape, just inside the tree line. It seemed to slither between the trees, staying just beyond the sun’s light. After several minutes, the figure slowly emerged. His hood obscured his eyes, but Wyatt could feel their cold, piercing stare. Wyatt watched as he approached them with an unnatural quietness and dripping with rage. The prowler paced methodically from side to side as he slowly made his way towards the trio. Sagrine paused only briefly to study Addi and Nellis, before seemingly dismissing them. Then he slowly and purposefully approached Wyatt, inadvertently staying several feet away from Nev.
Nev watched him slink past her without any sign of recognition, but it was far too early to breathe easy. Her heart quickened, and she could hear it drumming in her ears. Taking a slow, steady breath, she forced her heart rate to slow.
Wyatt stood casually as the prowler moved closer. Meeting his gaze with an unthreatening smile, Wyatt waited for Sagrine to break the thick silence between them.
Sagrine stopped after having moved halfway between Wyatt and Nev. “I see some new friends have joined us, boy. Would you care to introduce me, or should I pick their names from your thoughts?” Sagrine said, smiling.
“Addi, Nellis—meet shithead. Shithead, this is Addi and Nellis,” Wyatt mocked.
“And where is your special friend? Where is she?” Sagrine sneered as he began pressing into Wyatt’s thoughts.
Wyatt could feel the prowler roaming through his mind. The sensation, making his skin crawl. Still, he allowed it. He kept only one thought walled off from him. “She wanted to stay and chat, but then she remembered that she hates you,” Wyatt replied, sounding snarky.
Sagrine inhaled deeply and deduced, “She has been here very recently. Her scent still clings to you. Doesn’t she taste exquisite? I’ve tasted her only once, but it would never be enough. I foolishly thought
