Page 19 of The Unbound Witch

Grey froze, looking to the sky as if in prayer. I didn’t have to hear the words to know what was in his heart. He was going to tell me to run. But how could I leave him to the mercy of these men when he hadn’t left me?

My eyes flicked to the suspended boulder above the scarred man’s head, casting a slight shadow over his white, shoulder length hair. He was young, maybe only a few years older than me, but his eyes were full of malice. In one motion, Grey yelled and ran forward as Kirsi dropped the rock. Both men sprinted for our companion, the stone missing its target by mere inches.

I squeezed my eyes shut, pulling back on the reins, refusing to watch them shred him to pieces. I couldn’t witness another death. Not now, maybe not ever. But as laughter filled the air, I peeled my eyes open to see the three men with their arms around each other, their happy reunion a slap to my face. A cruel joke.

“Do I smell a ghosty?” the beautiful, scarred man asked, looking around. “Best keep hidden, love. It’s not safe here.”

“Were you followed?” the older, black man asked, his amber eyes flicking to me before assessing the horse.

“I don’t think so, but it’s possible.” Grey clapped the man on his back. “You’re looking a bit old there, Tor.”

“Blame the pup,” he said, jerking his chin toward the scarred man, who was spinning in circles as he surveyed the surrounding area.

“There was a hunter in the last town we were in. He was on our trail, but I think we lost him when we split from our company.” Grey swept a hand toward me. “This is Raven Moonstone. She’ll be under our protection indefinitely.”

I lifted a brow, eyes narrowed on Grey. “And who are yourfriends?”

“The pretty boy there is Atlas,” he said, pointing to the one with the scar. “And this is Torryn.”

Atlas jerked his head, thick hair falling into his eyes as he smirked.The leather clothing he wore, clean but worn, seemed almost too tight for him.

Torryn placed his large hand onto his chest and dipped his chin respectfully before those stunning eyes met mine. “A pleasure, my lady.”

“Always the chivalrous one.” Grey pulled the reins from my hands, ignoring my glare as he instructed the others. “Let’s go. Before Kirsi grabs any more boulders.”

A smile crept across my face as he stumbled to the side unprompted.

“You deserved that,” Kirsi said, causing Atlas to whip around in a circle, still trying to find her.

“Tell me about the hunter.” Torryn took the lead, winding left and right over a trail easiest for the horse to get up the gradual mountainside. The colorful autumn trees mixed with the firs, reminiscent of home as they grew thicker and thicker.

“Raven overheard a conversation. They referred to him as the Seeker. Black hair and eyes, about this tall,” he said, holding out his hand slightly below his shoulder.

A low growl came from Atlas as he listened. Shifter, for sure, I’d decided.

“He’s been around these parts. If he caught your trail, you probably didn’t lose him as easily as you think. Unless he followed your companions.”

I thought of the old couple and what might happen if he captured them. They said they had a place to hide, to start over. But they’d have to get there first. A very small part of me hoped the hunter was chasing us instead. At least then we’d know they were safe.

“Hard to say,” Grey said. “As far as I can tell, we didn’t have anyone following us, but I’m still not used to the lack of magic here.”

“Aw. Our little witch is suffering.” Atlas slammed into Grey with his shoulder. “Try being here for five years.”

“You’ve been here for five years?” I asked, unable to help the gasp that slipped from my mouth.

“They’re shifters,” Grey explained quietly. “On a rotating guard, ordered by the king.”

The king. Grey hadn’t told them yet of Bastian’s fate. How would they react when they found out I killed him? More worry settled in my gut with each step we took. That conversation would have to happen, and I’d have to deal with the fallout. And when we got home, I’d have to do it again.

“Don’t make it sound so honorable,” Atlas said, sharing a crooked smile with Grey. “Tor and I drew the short sticks.”

“That bad?” Grey asked.

“No,” Torryn answered. “Aside from the occasional witch hunt we’ve had to deflect, it’s been quite peaceful. Eden doesn’t leave the security of the woods, but Atlas and I venture into town. Atlas has taken a liking to a certain tavern. Or rather, the women of the tavern have taken a liking to his pretty face.” He chuckled. “They think that scar you gave him is handsome.”

“See?” Grey wrapped his arm around Atlas’ shoulders, pulling him downward as he ran his knuckles back and forth in the shifter’s messy white hair. “I just made you prettier.”

“Happy to return the favor.” Atlas grunted, crouching low to escape Grey’s muscled arms.