The fire in the stove had dwindled to glowing coals, yet the subtle warmth was sufficient to fend off the cold. Chloe shifted next to me, her petite form comfortably wrapped in the blanket.
I gazed at her for a brief moment, my fingers gliding through her untamed curls as my thoughts raced. The rogues had no intention of halting. They would track our path, persistent and eager for blood, and it wouldn't require much for them to discover us if I didn't take action immediately.
Lyra softly growled in my thoughts, her presence filled with tension. *They will track you by your scent initially. You must cover it up.*
*I understand,* I reflected, my stomach churning.
However, scent by itself was insufficient. If the rogues were as systematic as I dreaded, they'd recognize our appearance as well. I had to accomplish more.
