The pre-dawn air was sharp, the camp a flurry of quiet activity as Gareth, Kira, Zara, and Lyralei readied themselves to depart. The fire had burned to embers, and the sky held only a faint blush of light. Gareth, his pack slung over one shoulder, approached Seraphina, who stood watch near the camp's edge.
He stopped a few paces away, his jaw tight. "Seraphina," he began, voice low to avoid waking Finnian, "I need you to understand something. These people—Kira, Zara, Lyralei—I've been with them for years. They're my family. I have to put their safety first. Whatever Finnian's become, it's too dangerous for us to stay tangled up in it. I hope you get why I'm doing this."
Seraphina met his gaze, her expression calm but unyielding. "I understand, Gareth. You're their leader. Do what you have to." She paused, her eyes flicking to the blade resting near Finnian's tent. "What about the blade? You're not taking it with you?"
Gareth followed her gaze, his expression softening for a moment. "No. Finnian can keep it. Consider it a parting gift. He'll need it more than I will in his journey."
Seraphina nodded, a flicker of respect in her eyes. "That's generous of you."
Gareth shrugged, the weight of his decision settling back onto his shoulders. "Safe travels, then. Wherever you're headed."
"And to you," she replied.
With that, Gareth turned back to the group. Kira was already scouting the path ahead, Zara securing the last of their supplies. Lyralei lingered a moment, clutching her tome, her eyes darting toward Finnian, but a sharp gesture from Gareth urged her on. The group moved out, their figures fading into the morning mist without a backward glance.
******
Seraphina waited until they were out of sight, then crossed the camp to Finnian's side. She placed a hand on his shoulder and shook him gently, her voice gentle but firm. "Finnian, wake up."
Finnian stirred, blinking groggily as he sat up on his bedroll. "Is it time?" He rubbed his eyes and stumbled out, freezing as he took in the barren campsite. The fire pit was cold, the others' gear gone. "Where's… where's everyone?"
"They left," Seraphina said simply, watching his reaction.
"Oh," Finnian's voice was small. His gaze fell on the blade, still propped against his pack. He frowned, confusion creasing his brow. "Why didn't Gareth take the blade? It's his."
Seraphina knelt to adjust her own pack, her tone matter-of-fact. "He left it for you. Said it's a parting gift. He thinks you'll need it."
Finnian stared at the blade, "A parting gift," he murmured, a mix of gratitude and guilt in his voice. He reached out, hesitating before grasping the hilt, as if unsure he deserved it.
Seraphina stood, brushing snow from her robes. "We need to move soon. Get your things together."
Finnian nodded absently, still processing the group's absence and the weight of Gareth's gesture. They worked quietly, putting away the remainder of their things and putting out the embers. As they picked up their packs and got ready to depart, a flicker of movement caught their eyes. Finnian stared into the dim light, and his hand moved to the blade.
A figure emerged from the mist, moving with purpose. As it drew closer, Finnian's breath caught. "Lyralei?"
Lyralei approached, her tome tucked under one arm, her face set with resolve. Frost covered her cloak, and her eyes were blazing with determination.
Seraphina stepped forward, her voice sharp with surprise. "Lyralei. Why aren't you with the others?"
"I'm not going with them," Lyralei said firmly. "I want to come with you."
Seraphina's eyes narrowed. "That's your group, Lyralei. They're your people. You belong with them."
Lyralei shook her head, her voice steady despite the weight of her choice. "Finnian's going to need all the help he can get now. Whatever's happening to him, whatever's coming for him, I can't just walk away. My knowledge, my research—it could make a difference." She straightened, her tone growing more urgent. "And I know places we can go—hidden locations, ancient temples shielded by old magic. Places where we can hide, where we can stay safe until we figure out what's next. I've studied their wards, their histories. I can get us there."
Finnian's eyes widened, hope flickering in his expression. "You'd do that? For me?"
Lyralei met his gaze, her resolve unwavering. "For all of us. This isn't just about you, Finnian. If Kael Vorthak is hunting you, he's a threat to everyone. I'm in."
Seraphina studied Lyralei for a long moment, weighing her words. The scholar's offer of safe havens was compelling, and her determination was unshakable. Finally, Seraphina exhaled, "Alright. You're with us. Those temples better be as secure as you say, Lyralei. This path won't be easy, and there's no turning back."
Lyralei nodded, a small smile breaking through her determination. "They are. I'll show you."
Seraphina turned to Finnian, who was still watching Lyralei with a mix of awe and uncertainty. "Let's go," she said. "We've got a long road ahead."
The trio set out, their footsteps crunching in the frost as the first rays of sunlight pierced the horizon. Finnian gripped his blade, its weight a reminder of Gareth's parting gift. Seraphina led the way, guiding them toward an uncertain future. Behind them, the empty camp faded into the mist, a silent testament to the bonds that had broken—and the new ones just beginning to form.