The forest blurred around Elara as she ran with Ronan, twigs snapping beneath their feet. The east border cave loomed ahead, a dark mouth in the hillside.
"Inside," Ronan urged, checking over his shoulder. "Quickly."
The cave was cool and smelled of damp earth. Ronan led her deep inside, where moonlight couldn't reach.
"We should be safe here until morning," he said, catching his breath. "No one uses this cave anymore."
Elara hugged herself, shivering. "That's exactly why your father will look here first."
Ronan frowned. "You're right." He moved closer, his warmth a comfort in the darkness. "Why didn't I think of that?"
"Because you act on instinct," Elara touched his arm. "It's not a bad thing."
A howl echoed outside, closer than comfort allowed.
"They're already searching," Ronan growled, his eyes glowing amber in the darkness.
Elara's heart raced. "We can't keep running. There has to be another way."
"There is."
