sinking heart, the Warrior’s gaze go from her to Seth and then turn dark.
At first, Willow couldn’t bear to look away. For this was the face she had dreamed of so many nights alone in the pitch black. But he looked so dark and furious after seeing Seth that she had to turn away.
“Your father has ordered me to bring you to safety.”
She shook her head. “I’m not going anywhere. They will not hurt me.”
“He’s come for you.” Seth’s voice shattered her thoughts. “Will you go with him?”
Yes! Yes! She wanted to shout. She wanted to go with him, back to Shondravar, back to her garden…
She shook her head slowly. “He’s come for my father. And to reclaim his throne.”
Seth’s face had gone milky white. “He’s definitely going to try to kill your father.”
“No!” she cried. “He won’t. He promised me. He only wants his throne.” She clutched Seth arms, panic filling her dark eyes. “You must not fight them. You won’t stand a chance.”
He quirked his lips at her. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
“Seth, I’ve seen him fight. He’s chilling.”
“Yes, I know,” he said, as if he were remembering something.
“Tell me you won’t go back to Predaria with him and I won’t lift my sword, Willow. I vow it.”
“Seth…”
“Willow, I would do anything for you.” He spoke quickly, for the Warriors were almost upon them. They’d reached the king’s guard and took them down with little effort. “I was there for you while he was out warring with the Catchers.”
“But he did it for me.”
“Yes,” he told her angrily. “He was so busy with his revenge that it took him almost all these months to find you!”
There was a sound, like a twig cracking to their right. Seth spun around, but there was nothing. Then his eyes opened wide and he jumped in front of Willow and drew his sword.
The woman Warrior leaped over the small garden wall like a cat and smiled at him.
“Seth, no!” Willow shouted, grabbing his arm. “Put your sword away.” Frantically, she looked around for anyone else who had come with Shauna, but Caleb’s sister was alone.
“Greetings, Willow.” Shauna’s smile brightened and she took a step closer. Her hands were laced in front of her, but her hose and short waisted tunic, along with the giant broadsword tied to her back made it clear to Willow that Shauna was here to fight. “How are you?” she asked Willow softly. “I heard you were hurt quite badly. I’m so glad to see you looking completely recovered.”
“Shauna, I’ve missed you.” Willow wanted to run to her, throw her arms around her and hug her until they both burst with joy. But Willow remembered why Shauna and the others were here and didn’t move a muscle.
“And who is this?” Shauna’s sharp green eyes narrowed on Seth. “Oh, don’t tell me. You’re Seth. How was your journey, Traveler?”
Willow looked at Seth with puzzlement creasing her brow. But as the seconds passed, all she could think of was seeing Caleb again. Every memory came flooding back to her and her hands began to tremble at the mere thought of being near him.
“Shauna, where is…” She blinked back her tears. Even saying his name made her heart race.
“Caleb, dear.” Shauna cut her a hard glance. “His name is Caleb in case you’ve forgotten.”
“I could never forget his name, Shauna,” Willow protested softly while tears rolled off her cheeks. “How could you even think that?”
“Well, I guess I just figured that since you were snuggled away here in the lap of luxury with your Catcher friend.” She glared at Seth. “…my brother would be easy to forget.”
“Well, you’re wrong,” Willow said. “And Seth is no longer a Catcher, so don’t look at him like that.”
Shauna’s smile returned but it was laced with malice. “You defend him. How sweet.”
“He’s my friend.” Willow squared her shoulders, but her resolve faltered too quickly. “Please, Shauna.”
But Caleb’s sister didn’t listen. Instead, she began to circle Seth.
“What’s the matter, Traveler?” Shauna asked silkily. “Can’t you defend yourself?”
“Against how many?” Seth growled back at her.
“Against my brother!” Shauna shouted when she faced him again.
“Where is he?” Willow blurted. She backed into the corner, looking like a mouse frightened out of her wits.
Shauna’s face softened on her and she rushed to her. “What did they do to you, poor Willow? Caleb’s here. He died without you. He searched every single day and every night to find you, but he couldn’t. He lost you and he lost himself,