Page 71 of The Midnight Death Match

He turns to me, more color in his face. “I have to find my parents.”

I blink, startled. “Now?”

“I saw them running. If they’re still out there?—”

“You’re in far worse shape than them. You’re barely standing! If you saw them running, then I’m sure they went for help.”

He forces a grim smile. “I’m growing stronger by the minute, and I need to see them. Surely you understand. What would you do if it was your mother?”

He has me there.

I glance at Einar and Lys for help, but they’re far enough away they can’t hear our conversation.

This isn’t their decision, anyway. It’s Harek’s. And as much as I want to put my foot down and stop him, I can’t.

Harek looks at me again. “We’re safe now. That’s what matters.”

I step closer. “You’re what matters.”

Something flickers between us.

But he shakes his head. “Not if I let them die.”

The words sting more than I expect them to. “You don’t have to do this alone.”

He looks down, his voice lower. “I need to do this, Eira. And I can’t ask you to come with me—not with everything else going on. You focus on breaking your curse. I’ll be back to help with that as soon as I can. I promise.”

My hands tighten at my sides. “This isn’t just about your parents.”

“No.” His gaze sharpens. “It’s about yours, too.”

That stops me cold.

He continues, softer now. “Whatever this curse is, whatever you’re unraveling, I can’t help you if I’m two steps behind. Let me do this one thing.”

The tension between us stretches, tight and silent.

We’ve stood side by side through more than most. And yet here we are again. Diverging paths, different fears and battles.

I nod, relenting. Emotion I can’t quite face bubbles in my chest and up to my throat.

He takes my hand. Squeezes it briefly before letting go. Then he disappears into the trees with the kind of grace only a born tracker carries.

I don’t watch him go away. If I do, I might run after him.

Once I’m sure Harek is gone, I glance over at my father and Lys. They’re talking, and from the bits of conversation the breeze carries, I piece together that they’re eager to get back to Courtsview and update the scholars and rebels on what just happened.

We’re so close to my siblings, I can’t return to the crumbling fae city. I need to see and talk to them.

Make sure the rogue pack members haven’t gotten to them.

Besides, I have no idea what Leif is up to now. What he might have planned for them.

I glance back at Einar and Lys, who are still deep in conversation. Then I dart into the woods and head toward Skoro. Toward my siblings.

One of them calls my name, but I don’t stop. Don’t even slow. Only steal another glance back as I quietly peel away from our planned route.

Einar doesn’t look surprised. Lys raises an eyebrow but says nothing.

---