The path to the cave was quiet, the forest and dark around them. Kael and Edris moved side by side, their steps steady but heavy with thought.
The papers rested inside Kael's coat, their presence almost burning against his chest.
Neither of them spoke for a while.
The sound of rushing water reached them before the cave came into view. The river curved just below it, reflecting the faint glow of the moon. As they got closer, movement caught their attention.
Ronan.
He was in the river, waist-deep in the water, his back to them. His shoulders were tense, his head tilted slightly as if he was listening to something far away. The water moved around him in soft ripples.
Kael frowned. "What are you doing out here?"
Ronan turned at the sound of his voice. For a second, something unreadable passed through his eyes. Then it was gone.
"I needed air," he said simply.
Edris glanced toward the cave. "Where is Selena?"
"She is inside," Ronan replied. "Resting."
