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There were protections in place, spells that made it near impossible for them to be found. Her family and ancestors had lived in their large cottage in the woods, undisturbed for centuries, for good reason.

Until then, she knew they wouldn’t be able to escape the Dragon for too long. He would search the skies, and eventually, he would pick up on them. It was only a matter of time, and Valerie was planning to beat it.

Once we are on our lands, he will not find us.

The sun was beginning to set on the second day, and she was thankful for it. With the cover of night, she would be able to rest for a few hours.I am exhausted.

She put Kaeylyn down so they could walk side by side for a little while.I cannot keep running, or I will burn out.Pain radiated up her legs already, her feet aching, and the beautiful dress she wore was heavy and often tangled around her legs.

She wanted to stop constantly, wanted to rest, but she knew she couldn’t. The previous night, she’d walked without rest so Kaeylyn could sleep against her back.

Valerie thought keeping them away from the road would stop them from coming across potential travellers.

She was wrong.

As they walked, she eventually heard a small camp just ahead of them, echoing through the trees. In the last light of the sun, she saw four men setting up camp for the night.

Valerie ducked down to hide and took them around the group of men, who looked like rogues or bandits.

“Keep quiet,” she whispered. “Do not say anything.”

Kaeylyn slapped a hand over her mouth with a nod and followed behind, keeping a hold of Valerie’s hand.I do not trust them.Then again, she wouldn’t have trusted anyone.We must avoid being seen.

The camp was to their left when Valerie heard a stick snapping under a heavy foot to the right. A man emerged from the tree line, buttoning his pants like he had just finished using nature as his bathroom.

He smiled when he caught sight of them. “Well, hello there. What are a couple of lambs doing out in the woods by themselves?”

Shit!Valerie cursed to herself.

“Just passing through,” Valerie answered, stepping away to put space between them.

She didn’t like the assessing eye he gave them, one of his brows raising. He was silent as he watched her continuing to walk around him while skulking low.

“That is unsafe. Why not travel with us? We have plenty of bedding and food.”

The man brought his thumb and middle finger to his mouth, producing a loud, ear-piercing whistle from his lips. He gave them a dazzling smile afterwards. His face appeared kind, but there was a devious glint to his eye. The fact that he hadn’t hesitated put Valerie on edge.

“No, we do not need any help. We know where we are going.”

The appreciative gaze he slid down and then back up her body made her spine crawl. “Are you sure, little ladies? We can protect you, keep you safe.”

Valerie held her sister’s hand tighter. “We do not need your protection.”

“I must insist.” He stalked forward. “You do not understand how dangerous these woods can be for a woman like yourself.”

“Come closer, and I promise you will regret it,” Valerie threatened, ready to use her magic.

She would rather not fight him. Any large amount of magic she used could bring Geryon on top of them.The smell of blood could attract him.

“Will he now?” someone said from behind her, and Valerie turned at the new voice.

The four men she’d seen at the camp were now behind her.He called for them.

“Young lady said she did not need our help when I so willingly offered,” the first man said, shaking his head in disbelief with a laugh. He placed his hands on his hips, the glint in his eyes deepening.

“That is rather rude. Such kindness is not often found,” another said.

They were beginning to circle them.