Canyon Scouting The morning air was like a blade. It didn't just blow; it cut through the layers of wool and leather Esmeralda had wrapped around herself. She stood at the edge of the camp, watching the mist roll off the jagged teeth of the mountains.

Behind her, the sound of metal clinking and horses huffing filled the silence.

"You're sure about this?"

She didn't have to turn around to know it was Demetrius. His voice was different out here in the open—less like a king in a tent and more ...