Chapter 21 · The Exit Takes a Toll

Warren wasn't alone.

Three guild marks. Cole counted them fast, even with his vision swimming. The marks were stitched into their jacket shoulders, silver thread that caught the moonlight filtering through the trees behind them. Two men, one woman. All armed. The woman had a crossbow already loaded. One of the men kept his hand on a short blade at his hip. The other held a length of chain.

Chain meant they wanted him alive. That was something.

"Warren." Cole's voice came out rough. His hand was still bleeding, dripping onto the stone steps. Ivy stood half a step behind him, breathing hard. He could feel her staring at the armed squad, then at Warren. "Didn't know you were bringing friends."

Warren looked tired. More tired than Cole had ever seen him, and that was saying something. The man's face was all hard lines and gray stubble, his coat dusty from the ride out here. But his eyes were sharp. Focused.

"Didn't want to," Warren said. His voice was flat. "Guild sent them three days ago. Orders were to wait at the perimeter. When the temple started shaking, they decided that meant go."

"Orders," Cole repeated.