They laughed, and the tension eased slightly. They spent the rest of the afternoon just being together, talking about small things that didn't matter. Kaelan told them about a new book his uncle had given him. Liora complained about having to help with laundry duty. Aria described the new herb combinations she wanted to try once the healing house opened.
As the sun began to sink and shadows lengthened across the creek, they reluctantly started back toward pack grounds. The guard emerged from the trees to escort them, a quiet presence that had become routine.
They were almost to the main path when Kaelan stopped suddenly, his hand shooting out to grab Aria's arm.
"What?" Liora asked, instantly alert.
"I saw something," Kaelan said quietly, his eyes scanning the trees. "Movement. In the shadows."
The guard moved forward immediately, hand on his weapon. "Where?"
Kaelan pointed to a dense cluster of trees about thirty yards away. "There. Something moved behind that oak."
