The moon slowly rose to its peak in the sky, and fire fires were beginning to sink. A gentle wind passed through camp, carrying the scents of the night. The air smelled like the heavy scent of flowers in bloom, as Kyera breathed deeply trying to sense something off.
It was late and the other Princesses bad long laid down and fell asleep. However, no matter how she tried Kyera was restless. Kan sat lazily by the tent entrance as Kyera came out to look at the forest. Her eyes interrogated every shadow for any sign of hidden dangers.
"I was wondering how long you would pace before coming out…" Kan's words were cut short as she raises her hand for silence. She closed her eyes and red the forest. Something made him stand to his feet.
"The portal…" Kyera asked the question didn't need to be finished.
"A half mile that way." He pointed toward the forest behind them. "What's wrong?"
"Can you smell that?" She asked slinging her bow over her back. Kan sniffed the air deeply.
"Flowers? Kyera there are flowers in the forest. I know it has been a while since you have been here but…" Kan trailed off as Kyera shot a glare at him. It was safer not to poke Kyera when she had a dagger in her hand.
"Winter Shade. Also known as the Mask." Kyera reminded him and his eyes widened slightly but he frowned.
"There is a grove nearby…" He pointed out as he stood up dusting his pants off.
"Groves don't get closer." Kyera replied the scent more distinct now. They still had time if they acted bow. "Get Lazren and Cora go tell Feya's guard and Melania's I will get Lalia." Kyera walked away quickly not wanting to take any chances. If she was wrong that would be a blessing.
Laila's guard frowned when Kyera approached "Get your Lady's horse saddled now. I was just informed the camp is being watched. We need to go, now." Kyera ordered and the Guard raised a brow.
"What danger could this forest hold? Perhaps they are curious villagers." He pointed out trying to blow Kyera off.
"You may be willing to die fighting off shapeshifter's with a blood lust, but I am not willing to lose my Sister in law to the Dark Ones." Kyera replied with a growl. He felt the hair on his neck stand up. There was something primally dominant in this Princess and to be honest, there was nothing to gain in angering her.
"It doesn't hurt to air on the side of caution." He decided vocally and toward the trees they had tethered the horses to. Kyera went inside and found Lalia curled up as if fast asleep. However there was something about it that didn't seem right.
"How long have you been awake?" Kyera asked Lalia, folding her arms over her chest. The other woman smiled and opened her eyes. She stretched and stood, already dressed for the day.
"For a few hours now. Something doesn't feel right." She replied standing up and putting on her boots and bow. "Obviously my hunch was right, or you wouldn't be here now." Kyera nodded gravely, her instincts on high alert.
"Yea, the Dark Ones seem to be headed this way. I need to get you and the two Princesses out of here as soon as possible. If we head for the portal I can transfer us to safety and then return to the kingdom through a different portal." Kyera explained as Lalia strapped on her hunting gear.
"Then let's go. I heard you sent Brom to get the horses." Lalia offered and Kyera frowned.
"Yes but he should be back by now." Kyera pointed out a slight sent in the air. She knew by now what that was.
"We need to get the girls and head out. Now." Kyera grabbed Lalia's hand and drug her out of the tent. The pair hurried across the dark edge of camp toward the other two princesses tent.
"Sh….t" Lalia cursed as she tripped over something in the dark. A wet crunching sound made her freeze. "What was tha…." She started to reach down to touch it and Kyera grabbed her hand and jerked her away.