The forest swallowed the sounds of the human camp as Issa, Aries, and Athena disappeared into the dark night. Cold air slapped Issa's bare skin, but she barely noticed it because her mind was a whirlwind of terror and unresolved chaos. She hadn't decided what to do with the guard, but her mind was already made up for the worst.

Aries led the way, like a determined man moving through the forest. He was focused. His chin was slightly dipped, his nose twitching every now and then, following ...