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“Oooo,” Fennan jeered. “She did get you good last night. You have a shiner.”

Reaching up to his right eye, Leif touched the slightly-swollen purplish flesh. “So I do. It feels a little sore this morning. Wanna kiss it all better, Pipe?”

“You wish.”

Leif tossed her cloak back to her. “Come on, us redheads need to stick together so we can breed more redheads.”

“You went from me kissing your eye better tobreedinga little quick, Leif. At least get me flowers first.”

The others snickered.Evalyn shook her head while stoking the fire’s embers.

“Just alittlequick? I can go slower. Real slow, and I’ll pick you flowers anytime, beautiful.”

“Alright,” Fennan said, hands fisted at his sides. “Lay off her.”

“Why, because you want to lay on her?” Leif challenged and it wasn’t entirely playful. “You mad because you can stick your rod in every maiden but her?” Seems others noticed Fennan and Piper had gotten closer too. Piper stilled and dropped her gaze to the ground.

Thane felt the air shift. Seems Siegfried did too; he changed positions to a crouch, ready to spring into action. Swiping up her teacup and shawl, Evalyn shuffled back a few feet. Thane knew Fennan better than anyone and the fiery look in his best friend’s eyes, though subtle, was evident. Hedidwant Piper.

“I feel like there’s some love rivalry here,” Tif loudly whispered into Thane’s ear. “Juicy.”

Fennan rolled his shoulders back. “Just because she’s a female doesn’t mean you can talk to her like that. It’s disrespectful. She’s a Raven, same as you.”

Leif stood, as did Fennan. There were several feet between them, yet it wouldn’t take but a few strides for them to clash. Thane contemplated getting up but he’d only step in if it got too bloody. Sometimes things like this needed to be worked out on their own. And males typically did it through fist fighting.

Clearing her throat, Piper stood, and stepped in between them. “It’s just fun. No disrespect,” she said to Fennan, then turned and looked at Leif, “right?”

“Course it is,” Leif said and smiled. “I respect you as much as any Raven, Piper. You know I just like to tease. Never been a problem before.” Leif gave Fennan a hard stare.

Fennan kept his face cold as stone, said nothing, and started packing up his belongings. There was a collective sigh among everyone present. Did Leif also like Piper or was he being a prick because he lost Gunner? With Leif it was difficult to know. He’d tried to grab Layala’s ass the moment he saw her, more to rile Thane up than anything, but it wasn’t as if his flirtations were anything new. Thane thought he was with Pearl. Maybe she was only a friend, or they were not committed.

With a turn, Layala looked up at Thane. Still lying on his lap, she placed her hands behind her head. She smiled as if simply seeing him made her happy. He loved that. “Good morning,” Layala said. “I must say there is never a dull moment with this group.”

* * *

The stone portalhummed with energy even as they approached it. The birds chirped louder as if they knew something magical was about to happen; even the gray sky overhead drizzled heavier rain. Thane and Layala exchanged a quick glance. “Ready?” she asked.

“We have a solid plan,” Thane said. “Ready.”

With his palm flat on the large round archway, it warmed and buzzed. The worn inscriptions around the top gave off a subtle glow.Hello, again,the voice whispered.

“Can you take us just outside Newarden, Calladira?” Thane asked.

With more magic.

“Take it.”

Layala placed her hand on it and then Thane felt the tug on his magic, like the wind whispering over his skin at first. The pull grew stronger, and the center of the portal flickered with light and then finally swirled like a pool of water, inviting them to take a plunge.

Safe travels.

Thane stepped through first, leading Phantom behind him. Morning sunlight sparkled off dewy blades of grass on the other side. The wide-trunked trees creaked and shifted quietly. Phantom dropped his head and jerked up a large chunk of grass, loudly munching. Thane inhaled deeply, basking in the smells of lilac with hints of spice and a touch of damp moss. It was always more peaceful here in Calladira. This land wasn’t plagued with war and cursed creatures. It was quiet serenity, exactly how elven lands should be. As if to prove that, sheep bleated in a meadow clearing ahead. A farmstead with a small, thatched-roof cottage sat center. They must be on the outskirts of the capital city, Newarden.

The rest of the group filed in after him and Siegfried stepped to his side. “The city is east, about a mile from here. I recognize this place.”

Thane nodded and turned around. “Remember what I said. We’re here for the stone and Brunard’s head, not a battle with the entire city guard of Newarden. Stealth and secrecy are the mission here.” He smiled. “Even if we would win.” Deep chuckles filled the wooded area. “Leave the horses. Let’s move.”

Chapter25