Lucian held off until the slope lay behind them and the group had cover enough to catch their breath.
They passed through a cleft of shattered highland as the worst of the battle's reek bled out of their clothing. Silas's steps were stiff. Marc still wore the look of someone half-emptied by bending reality to his will. Lucy kept Althea at her side. The kids held their silence the way people do once they have been shut away from a fight they were never allowed to enter. Evelyn walked close to Lucian but did not touch him, near and guarded in the same breath. Lirael came along under a short leash, quiet for the moment.
When at last they halted in the shelter of a stone ledge, it was Marc who broke the silence.
"You still owe me an answer."
Lucian gave a single nod. He had seen this coming from the instant he chose not to open fully on the crest.
"I know."
