Chapter 217

BriarSeventy-two hours had already passed. More hours accumulated on the clock as my fear grew alongside them. Moss was still missing, searching and investigating, while I spiraled into panic. I even requested an audience with the king, knowing it could be dangerous. I was living proof that his beloved wife had betrayed him.I received only refusals and rejections. The General would not allow me gear his men. Yet, they were not fools. They were afraid. I wondered if this punishment was meant as an experiment to see what would happen in the forest, and if River was the sacrificial subject.“Lady warrior,” Little Leaf called softly, peeking into the antechamber of my brother’s room. The place had become an inn of sorts, with all of us gathered together. It was better that way, safer, as if closeness alone might ward off further misfortune.‘Tell me, little one,” I said, crouching before him. He had taken on too many responsibilities, helping me, obeying orders, and solving problems on his own. He was so young. I felt guilty for dragging him into this. For dragging all of them into it. But I reminded myself that their previous situation had been farworse.“I found this at the door,” he said, handing me a handkerchief. Inside was Verbena’s necklace.