Page 234 of The Moonborn's Curse

Hagan remained silent for a long breath. Then, he looked to Seren, their bond flaring at that moment. A ripple of emotion passed between them—understanding, agreement, even caution.

At last, he turned back.

"Very well," he said. "You may leave."

Lia blinked, stunned.

He continued, "You will carry the token of my protection until you join the new tribe. You vanish in between; it's revoked. "

Lia nodded quickly, clutching the parchment as if it might disappear.

"Where will you go?" Seren asked softly.

Lia hesitated, "I don’t want Dain to know."

She didn't think he would want to know anyway.

Hagan nodded, "You have my word."

"Vindrskeld," she said.

The name was old. Dangerous. Up in the far snow-capped mountains. The wolves there were more traditional than the lowlanders.

But no one stopped her.

And as she turned to go, Seren called softly, "You're not nothing, Lia. Don't ever think that."

Lia didn't answer. But the trembling in her hands gave her away.

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