Xaden led the horses along the narrow trail toward the lake, Erik riding in silence beside him.
Neither of the spoke for the mean time as they progressed through the lake.
Anna's screams still echoed in the back of Xaden's mind.
Every cry.
Every plea.
Every desperate "brother."
It had carved itself into the spaces between his bones.
Yet he rode forward.
Because justice didn't wait for grief.
He adjusted his reins, trying to steady himself, but the weight in his chest only grew.
When the shimmering lake finally appeared through the trees, Erik slowed his horse and frowned.
"We're going to her?" Erik said in disbelief.
"Yes," Xaden said simply, dismounting. "I need answers. And Marie is the only one who might give them."
Erik exhaled sharply. "She gives answers nobody wants."
Xaden nudged him lightly in the arm. "Come on. Look at the bright side. If this goes well, Fiona might finally stop glaring holes into your head."
Erik stiffened.
