The sound of the snapping twig snapped Rowan’s moment of contemplative peace. In one fluid motion, he had his sword drawn from its sheath on his hip and pointed in the direction of the noise. At his side, Eddie was rigid and gripping the handle of the dagger on his belt. The hair on the back of Rowan’s neck stood on end, and a small growl bubbled in his throat.

“Show yourself! Now!” He barked.

“Whoa, whoa!” Came an unfamiliar voice. The person who’d ...