Nikoli, Warwick, and Thistle stood just outside Starkfell’s borders, the latter shifting uneasily on her hooves.

  “Are you sure this is a good idea?” Thistle asked for the fifth time, wringing the stained apron she wore. “The patch on Frederick’s armor is rudimentary at best…”

  Behind her, Holly peeked out cautiously, watching from a safe distance. I waved when she poked her head out. She squeaked, ducking back—only to peek again a second later.

  I laughed, enjoying our odd game of peekaboo.

  Clover shook her head at us, a faint smile curling her lips as she turned back to Thistle. “It’s not ideal, but it’ll have to do. Once we have the Veridanis, we’ll look into hiring a blacksmith for a new chest plate. Until then, quit fussing. With any luck, we’ll be back in no time with Haltir and the herb.”

  Thistle rolled her eyes, planting a hand on her hip. “I fuss just the right amount, thank you very much.” Her faux offense melted into a sigh. “Just… be careful. That dungeon is meant for experienced adventurers.”

  Warwick nodded, a grimace tugging at his lips. “She’s right. If things were different, I’d go with you, but…”

  He didn’t need to finish. We both understood.

  “If that ogre comes to Starkfell next, they’ll need you here,” I said. “I trust Timbur’s strength, but he’s only one fairy. The town is safer with you guarding it.”

  Clover nodded. “Agreed. Besides, you have something else to look into, remember?”

  Warwick’s expression darkened. “Yes. Once we’re done here, I’ll be stopping by the tavern to deal with that.”

  Thistle raised an eyebrow, but he waved her off. “I’ll tell you later,” he murmured, flicking a meaningful glance at Holly, who was still playing our game.

  Thistle let it go and turned back to us. “Well, if you’re ready, I’ll leave you to it. Holly, let’s go. We have herbs to gather.”

  If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

  Holly nodded, waving before hurrying after her Aman, her steps light and bounding with excitement. Nikoli shook his head at the pair, his expression soft.

  “It’s good to see that girl acting like a child. I worry for her.”

  I hummed, curious but not pressing. “Why? She seems happy and healthy. Thistle clearly adores her.”

  Warwick crossed his arms, his jaw tightening. “Thistle would kill and die for that girl. So would Nikoli and I… but not everyone shares that sentiment.” Electricity crackled faintly along his frame, the air around him charged with restrained fury.

  “Someone decided to play a ‘prank’ a few months ago,” he said, his voice sharp. “They told her Thistle needed herbs from the forest, so she went—right before nightfall. Monsters were everywhere.”

  Ice slid down my spine. I straightened. “Was she hurt?”

  Warwick shook his head. “Thankfully, I overheard and caught up to her before anything happened. But it scared her. She used to be bold, but as you’ve seen, she’s withdrawn from most people.”

  Images of Holly—small, alone in the dark forest, surrounded by monsters—fanned the embers of anger in my chest. My hands clenched. “The fool who thought that was funny has no idea how lucky they are that I wasn’t the one to find them. To do that to a child…” My jaw tightened. “I’d have had their hide for it.”

  Warwick smiled, dark and dry. “Take comfort in knowing I made an example of him.” Under his breath, he added, “People still blanch when they see me pick up a lance.”

  Clover snorted, her expression a mix of anger and vicious satisfaction. “Good. They won’t forget that lesson anytime soon. Thistle was a wreck before you found Holly, and even now, she refuses to let her out of her sight.” A sly smile curled her lips. “Well, unless Holly’s following you, that is.”

  She turned to Warwick, a teasing glint in her eyes. “Has a day passed since Holly could walk that she hasn’t visited you during your patrols?”

  Warwick exhaled through his nose, the tension in his frame easing. “She visits at least once a day to insist I eat. As Nikoli said, her presence is a breath of fresh air.”

  Clover looped her arm through mine and faux-whispered, “You’re not the only one with a little duckling trailing after you. If Thistle’s busy, Holly follows Warwick, and it’s adorable. She even tied sticks to her horns once to look like him.”

  Warwick hummed, the corner of his lips twitching slightly. “Her admiration is appreciated. Though I’m glad she stopped doing that—it could strain her antlers if she puts too much weight on them at this stage.”

  He glanced toward the steadily rising sun and sighed. “I should go. The news you brought about the tavern worries me. I need to investigate.”

  Nikoli fell into step beside him. “I’m coming with you. Two sets of eyes are better than one, and if something’s going on, we can stomp it out on the spot.” A hint of amusement flickered across his face. “Just like old times, right?”

  Warwick rolled his shoulders. “Let’s hope not.”

  He turned to us, dipping his head respectfully. “Be safe on your travels.”

  Nikoli echoed the sentiment before they strode off, disappearing into town. Clover and I stood watching after them for a moment before she tugged me toward the northern road.

  “That tavern owner was a fool to set up his little scheme in Starkfell. Those two are ruthless when they work together.”

  I kept pace beside her. “They talked like they had history with this sort of thing.”

  She arched an eyebrow, partially turning to look up at me. “You don’t know? I thought for sure you’d piece together who Warwick was when you saw him. Rumors about him have been rampant—especially the last few years.”

  I rubbed the back of my neck. “Rumors, huh?” That explained it. I’d never put much stock in them—especially considering the ones spread about Aman and me once upon a time.