"How did you find him?" His gaze flickered toward Hawkbone, sharp with curiosity.

"He… he actually found me!" she admitted, her voice laced with nervous energy. "I was lost, and he just—showed up!"

He studied her for a moment, then his eyes dropped to her wrist. "And what did he tell you about that bracelet of yours?"

Her fingers instinctively curled around the metal band. It was a simple piece, yet something about it felt weightier now under his observance. Her gaze ...