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She popped her head up over a rock and froze as afiileeemerged from the dark, its lips pulled back, long ivory teeth on display. Mer’s eyes rounded, and she retreated quickly. She certainly wasn’t going to bond with that one.

A few more precarious situations led her to a high and deep ledge with a great view. She skittered back from the edge and checked the ledge above. Nofiilee.

Perfect.

Mer plopped down with her spine pressed against the stone wall. She sighed, closing her eyes for a moment. She’d made it without falling to her death or being eaten. That was something.

Movement from her right caught her eye, and Mer cursed.

Another rider.

She maneuvered onto her belly and spied on the Methian.

The woman stood at the edge of the walkway, her toes hanging over the drop. A wailing sound burst from the rider like she’d been shot and then she leaned forward.

“NO!” Mer screamed, reaching her hand out as if she could help the woman.

But she was gone.

She began to shake, her mouth hanging open. Why had the woman done that? Why had she taken the plunge? Why had...

Afiileeburst from the chasm with the woman on its back. Mer gasped as the rider lay on top of herfiilee, hugging the beast lovingly as they flew out the exit of the cavern.

What the devil?

“They’re all mad,” she muttered. Who in their right mind would do such a thing? It was idiotic.

She backpedaled to the stone wall, breathing hard. Her hands shook, and she fiddled with the lasso, learning its weight. Her nerves slowly faded away, as did the shaking, and soon wonder took its place. Thefiileeseemed to lose interest in her presence. Some bathed, others ate, still others napped or flew. But her favorites were the weefiilees. The little flying felines were the cutest creatures she’d ever laid eyes on. Fluffy little bodies with stubby wings.

The creatures came in all patterns.

Dappled. Striped. Spotted. Black, white, brown, gold, orange.

A sense of peace settled over her. Mer unlaced the cloak and spread it out over the ledge before lying on her belly. She crossed her arms and pillowed her cheek on her bicep, just enjoying the experience. This wasn’t something she’d expected. The joy. The peace. The contentment in this moment.

But on the coattails of that was the guilt.

Guilt because her husband couldn’t be laid to rest until he was avenged.

Guilt that she hadn’t gained any new information on the missing girls.

Guilt over the fact that she was for a moment safe, and Ream’s child was not.

Guilt that she’d softened to the Methian king.

Guilt that girls like Phia and Sienna weren’t safe in their own homes.

Too much guilt. It felt like drowning.

The smallest whisper of a sound caught her attention.

Dread ran down her spine.

She slowly pushed to her knees, scanning the area. Nothing seemed out of place.

A small huff.

Right behind her.