Chapter 32. A Command at Moonset

June's POV

The sentry on the tower already had his crossbow up.

"Hold!" Ronan barked.

I was at the gate before I'd decided to move. Then I stopped, with my hand on the bar.

Alone, said the old part of me. He asked for you. Just you.

I turned around.

Ronan was right behind me. Not touching me. Waiting, the way he always waited now, to see which way I'd go.

"Come with me," I said.

"You're sure?"

"No. I'm asking anyway." I swallowed. "I don't want to do this one by myself."

He nodded once and lifted the bar.

* * *

Corvin stood in the ditch below the gate tower in the circle of floodlight, in human form, in a ragged pair of trousers and nothing else. His hands were open at his sides. Empty. He'd come where the sentries could see him.

His good eye went to Ronan. Then to me.

"You brought the mount