Chapter 52

Netya reached the trees and looked out over the valley below, crouching down to empty her bladder as she tried to make out the features of the land before her.

There was little moonlight that evening, and the dim canopy rippled like murky water as the wind dragged through it. She did not realize that anyone had followed her until she stood back up, and froze at the sight of Vaya and three others blocking her path back to the camp.

Trying to hide her shock, she inclined her head politely and made to step past, behaving as if the hunters had only come out for an innocent stroll of their own. But as soon as she made to walk by, Vaya caught her by the shoulder and pushed her back.

Fear quickened Netya’s breath. Vaya’s companions, one young man and two women, moved around to encircle her, cornering her up against the trees. The huntress worked her jaw back and forth in contemplation, making a show of examining Netya’s spear as she stepped forward.

“You would have