he strap of his quiver as he guided his horse down the familiar trails, Darian riding silent

Your Highness," Darian remarked

ian?" Alden teased, thoug

ervation," the guard rep

Since the last hunt, he'd found his thoughts drifting back to the rustling sounds t

tioning for Darian to stay close. The guard, eve

toward a nearby stream. He stepped carefully over the under

under the moonlight, cascading over her shoulders like a river of silk.

n called out, his v

a striking shade of amber, locked onto his, wide w

respass," she stammer

lden said, stepping closer. "But i

voice steady now, though her gaze flicked wari

ly. "I'm not alone

," she said, her lips curving into

n admitted, intrigue

ike the others who come here. They carry fire and ste

er of shame. "I don't believe in hunting for des

sion softening. "Then

cleared his throat. "Your Highnes

ned slightly. "Your

s title had slipped. "It's

her bare feet brushing th

ing a step forward. "I

amber eyes searching his. "Lyri

," he

a smile. "It was... nice meeting you

d and disappeared into the shadows

over in his mind. Who was she, and why had she been in the forest

arian observed as they wa

king," Ald

t the

gged. "She was unusual. A lone girl in the forest

said, though a small part of him

t some rest, Your Highness. Tomorrow will b

of curiosity and unease. For the first time in a long while, he f