Taurian lifted his gaze to Dena's house. He could just make out the tip of her roof from the woods. Keeping an eye on her from a distance was eating him up inside, but he'd terrified her with his news. He felt like he'd betrayed her trust and he wasn't sure how to repair it. But there was nothing else he could've done to save her.

She was still in danger and he had to keep her safe. The enemy could come back at any moment and she had no way of protecting herself. Hopefully, the ...