Going back through the forest for the second time, Aria couldn't help the knot of dread that tightened in her chest.
The last time had been terrifying, and this time didn't feel any better. Worse still was the fact that they were on foot—Zyren had abandoned the horses back at the edge of the forest. And though she didn't have time to count, it was obvious they had fewer men than before. Some hadn't made it back. No one said it aloud, but the silence in their ranks confirmed it.
Zyren's grip on her wrist was firm as he pulled her forward, deeper into the trees. She felt fear rising in her throat the closer they got, her breathing becoming shallow. The forest felt like it was watching her, and the shadows beneath the canopy stirred memories of the first time they'd entered.
When they crossed the tree line, she opened her mouth to speak, to ask how they were going to get through again—only to stop short. Just a few feet in, tethered and waiting, were fresh horses.
