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“They are hunted more ruthlessly than we are. In the king’s eyes they were weak, not strong enough to accept the animal within their souls. You’ve seen the pelt fur cloaks that Rekker and his men wear. Those are made from the fur of rogues.”

Oh, Nidar, help me.Little John had given me a cloak made of fur from the first man I killed. I had no idea the cloak was made from the fur of a rogue wolf. A wolf that used to be a person. My stomach roiled because it felt like I’d killed that rogue too by wearing its fur.

“Little John gave me a cloak like that.” I was horrified to learn about the cloak that was gifted to me.

“He told me he took it from the man you killed and gave it to you. Whoever that wolf used to be; I think they’d be grateful to you for avenging them.” Tucked replied, gently.

“So, the man who I killed hunted down that wolf, killed him, then made his fur into a cloak?”

“Yes, to them they are the ultimate trophy. To kill a wolf that failed to keep its humanity, there's no higher honor.”

I didn’t like that at all. To wear something that used to be a person no matter if they were technically my enemy, disgusted me. I would never ever wear it again. I thought about burning it but that felt wrong. Maybe I’d bury it so that the person the animal used to be would finally be at rest and at peace.

“It’s about time I take you back.” Tuck announced, looking at me with kindness in his eyes and understanding.

This situation I was in here was annoying, but after hearing Tuck’s story my heart went out to them. They were safe here but for how long. Little John had brought us here thinking it would be a safe haven. We’d done everything we could to ensure that we weren’t followed, not knowing that we were up against wolf noses.

Tuck stood and I followed, my head buzzing from all the new information that had just been revealed to me. I knew now where they came from and I’m glad they found a safe place to go. What I didn’t agree with was the fact that my cousin and I were now deeply embroiled in this, and I was a prisoner unable to go after my family.

That thought made my heart harden. No matter what sob story these people told me, I needed to remember that they are keeping me here against my will. My cousin was out there somewhere, probably scared out of his mind as he went through a change. It tore me up that I wouldn’t be there for him. He was my baby cousin and would always be someone I would protect even when he didn’t need it anymore.

Tuck led me down a different pathway than the one we’d taken to the spring. He didn’t say anything, which I was thankful for. My life was in turmoil, but that wouldn’t distract me from starring in awe at the canopy. The houses and bridges were beautiful: each one a work of art. I couldn’t imagine living in a tree but now that it was an option, I couldn’t think of any other home I’d want more.

We entered into a clearing with a couple buildings on the forest floor, while the trees around the clearing had ladders on all of them. I realized that this was the center of everything. There was a fireplace in the middle with logs for sitting. It was like a city epicenter.

Men were raising logs and I could make out new construction in the trees on the other side of the clearing.

“Everyone clear!” A voice rang through the clearing.

Drawing my attention, I turned to see a massive log swinging from ropes tied to each end. Two men were up in the trees acting as guides to a shirtless man on the ground with a rope in each hand. Rippling muscles strained as he pulled, raising the log effortlessly all by himself. Dark hair was pulled up into a knot at the back of his head. I’ve seen men shirtless before, having watched many training sessions on Castle Hill, but there was something about watching this man lift a log with just his hands. Butterflies erupted in my stomach as my face flamed hot.

We watched until the log was safely secured up in the trees. I was impressed by the precision and the masterful way this all was possible.

The man who pulled the log to the top turned and silver eyes met mine. My face went from red to pale in a split second. Einri had been the one to hoist that log up there, and I’d openly oggled him. The man who made my stomach swoop was also the man who held me prisoner.

I felt a sneer tug on my lips as we stared at each other. His eyes weren’t cold but full of flames, and they were centered on me. It made me pause in my hatred and I regarded him, sized him up and found that he was a whole lot of man that had heat gathering in my belly.

Before I could over analyze what passed between us, someone yelled behind Einri drawing his attention and mine. What I saw had me questioning everything. A group of men entered the clearing weighed down with bags that literally had gold pieces spilling from them.

My fists clenched at my sides. Brural men had just arrived laden with gold and other riches clearly stolen from my countrymen.

I was in a den of thieves.

The hand at my elbow felt suddenly like a restricting tie, I jerked my arm away and glared. “I can walk on my own.”

I should have known better. I wanted to mentally kick myself, the truth was, I let my guard down. Tuck’s natural affability allowed me to forget that he’s part of Greenwood and eased my distrust. Resolutely, I strengthened my emotional walls and remembered my purpose. I couldn’t allow these thieves, and who knew what else, to garner any more of my sympathy.

Tuck glanced at me, as if startled by my shift in mood, and let me pull away from him. “Arrow…” he began, but I cut him off.

“No, don’t start.” I slashed my hand through the air, not wanting to listen to his excuses. I wouldn’t listen to his charm.

The humor evaporated from his eyes like dew in the afternoon sunshine. “It’s not what you think, Arrow.”

I scoffed. Did he really think I was going to fall for his excuses? “I’m sure it’s not. I’m sure you’re going to give me some plausible reason.”

“You’re never going to trust me, are you?” He looked almost dejected as he asked me, but I refused to bend.

I rolled my eyes at him in response, and he nodded. With a sigh, he began leading me back in the direction of my cave.