Chapter 24

Ronan's POV

The old Bell House stood thirteen miles east of Glass Pass and had been abandoned before I was born.

Naturally, it was not on any current map.

My grandfather's ledger had one.

We rode through the forest while the false convoy burned behind us. No one followed. That worried me more than pursuit would have.

Mara sat beside me in the lead carriage, studying Alden's map by lantern light.

"You have been quiet for eleven minutes," she said.

"You timed me?"

"I became concerned around minute seven."

"I am thinking."

"Dangerous habit."

I looked at her. "Your mother told you not to choose me.