As the day dragged on, the blanket of dark, heavy clouds obscuring the sun only grew thicker. It was impossible to follow the passage of time, and Wade felt oddly removed as they continued their trek through the mountains, as if time had ceased to exist. They were well inside the range now. Towering peaks rose up on every side, crested with snow and wrapped in dark swatches of forest. The ground underfoot became even more uncertain, as if some giant had shaken it to pieces.

Around midday, Asher began guiding them north, towards a mountain that seemed ever so slightly different than the others. No matter how much he stared at it, Wade couldn't figure out what made it stand out. Perhaps it was the way the mountain seemed to suck in the flat, dark gray light that filtered through the clouds, wrapping itself in shadow. Or maybe it was it's jagged cliffs, devoid of any sign of life. Whatever it was, something about the mountain sent shivers down Wade's spine. But he followed Asher anyway, face set and shoulders squared. It was too late to stop now.

"Asher," he called out as they picked their way down a particularly steep hill. The dark mountain towered above them, blocking out half of the sky. Looking at the grainy, thin quality of the light that fell upon the ground, he guessed it was early evening.

"What?" Asher asked, turning around. He was a few feet in front of Wade, perched unsteadily on a boulder that protruded from the dirt.

"How close are we?" Wade asked. His foot slipped on a patch of loose rocks, sending a cascade of pebbles tumbling down the slope. He hastily dug his shoes into the ground to regain his balance.

Asher stepped aside to allow the minor avalanche to pass. "Very."

"Wade, Asher!" Wade's father shouted. He was some distance behind them, hanging onto Ember for support as he slid down the hill.

Wade opened his mouth to call back, but at that moment Aurum's presence brushed against his mind. The dragon didn't say anything, but his thoughts were filled with a nervous, prickling unease. In front of Wade, Asher slowed to a halt and lifted his face to the sky.

What is it? Wade asked. He peered through the canopy, searching for Aurum's dark figure. The dragon had been flying for the last few hours, practicing a complex series of loops and dives. Now he was hovering in place a few hundred feet above them, his head swinging side to side as he surveyed something Wade couldn't see.

A storm.

Wade frowned. So? He'd seen a few flashes of lightning earlier, and the clouds were heavy with rain; another storm was hardly unexpected.

Not that kind of storm. Aurum reached out, and without warning Wade was viewing the world through the dragon's eyes. The sky stretched out before him, clad in soft gray clouds. To his left, in a place that must have been hidden from Aurum by a mountain, a band of inky darkness was gathering at the horizon.

Even after Wade discerned that the gauzy haze connecting the black mass to the ground was rain, it took him a moment to understand what he was seeing. Then a jagged streak of lightning burst forth from the darkness, and it clicked.

It's huge, Wade said, his eyes widening. He pushed the image away and looked at Asher. The boys exchanged a nervous glance and turned back to the sky, trying to spot the incoming storm. It was too far away, however, hidden behind the trees.

"Why did you two stop?" Wade's father asked, finally catching up to them. He stumbled and slid a foot or so down the hill, latching onto Ember's neck before he fell down.

"A storm's coming," Wade said. "A massive one. I haven't seen anything like it in years."

The blacksmith lifted his head. "Where?"

"We can't see it from here. Aurum's the one who spotted it."

"The weather really has been awful lately," Asher muttered. His eyes were unfocused, and he grimaced. "Aurum says it's headed for us, fast. We have a half hour at best."

Wade's father looked between them, doubt plain on his face. "Is it really that bad?"

"Yes," both boys said simultaneously.

Wade's father raised an eyebrow. "Well, then. Should we get under a tree and wait it out?"

"I don't think a tree is our safest option," Wade said, twisting his hands together. "It might fall over and crush us."

"Hold on," Asher muttered. He was looking at his feet, still talking to Aurum. Wade tapped his foot impatiently.

I can find a cave, Aurum said after a moment, thankfully deigning to include Wade in the conversation. Give me a few minutes.

Asher translated the dragon's comment to Wade's father. The smith rubbed his temples. "This must be a bad storm to have you all so spooked," he finally said.

"It is," Asher said firmly.

Wade waited anxiously as Aurum searched the mountains around them. He found another small boulder nearby and climbed atop it, trying to get a better view of the sky. Unfortunately, the additional height did nothing: he couldn't see the storm or Aurum.

Have you found anything yet? he asked, finally losing patience.

Yes, actually. Aurum flashed him a single image of the entrance to a cave. It was pitch-black inside, even to the dragon's sensitive eyes. It's not that far from where you are. I'm going inside now.

Wade bit his lip. Hurry.

I know, I know— Aurum suddenly stopped. His mind flashed a bloody red, and an angry snarl echoed in Wade's ears.

Asher, apparently also listening to the dragon, swore and jerked backwards, accidentally elbowing Ember in the nose and startling Wade's father. "What was that?"

Aurum? Wade asked, worried.

There was a short pause. There was a bear here, but no more. Amusement flickered through the bond at Wade's astonished silence. Don't be so surprised. I never got to finish hunting, and I'm hungry.

Even as he spoke, Wade could sense Aurum leaning down and tearing through fur and flesh to ease the ache in his stomach. He hurriedly retreated from the dragon's mind; he'd seen enough blood for one week.

Can you show us where it is? Wade asked.

The dragon sent him a brief mental map of the area. Wade narrowed his eyes; the cave was inside the lower half of the dark mountain they'd been heading towards. He didn't like the idea of sleeping near that place, but they didn't have much of a choice.

"Did you get it as well?" he asked Asher.

"Yeah." Asher pointed. "This way, right?"

Wade nodded and looked at his father. "Aurum found a cave. It'll only take us about ten minutes to get there."

His father grunted. "Lead the way, then."

As they walked, Wade noticed a shift in the air. The hair on the back of his neck rose as a peculiar darkness took over the sky. A strange quiet settled over the forest as the inhabitants sensed the incoming storm. Wade pushed forward, forcing the others to hurry along behind him. Finally, the trees began to thin out. Wade glimpsed the steep, rocky base of the mountain up ahead, where he knew the entrance to the cave lay hidden.

Then the first drops of rain began to fall. They came slowly, one by one, heavy and fat. But one more glance at the sky told Wade that that wouldn't last for very long. He broke into a run, motioning for the others to follow.

He'd just caught sight of the cave when the downpour began. Rain began to fall from the black sky in thick sheets, obscuring his vision. Wade focused on where he needed to go, ducking his head against the water. He shouted at the others, but the wind, which had become much stronger over the last two minutes, whisked the words from his mouth and flung them into the misty air.

Wade was thankful that the ground was so rocky; if it had only been dirt beneath his feet, he would have been knee deep in mud. Water poured down his face, making it near impossible to see anything. He could hear Asher and his father behind him, crying out to each other as they struggled to keep moving.

Finally, Aurum's figure emerged from the hazy darkness. The dragon extended his wing, providing a thin shield over everyone as they staggered into the shelter of the cave.

Wade stumbled to a wall and leaned against it, looking around. It was very dark; he could hardly make out the contours of the space. The wet, heavy scent of blood hung on the air, mixing sickeningly with that of the rain. Wade searched uneasily for the corpse of the cave's previous inhabitant, but there was nothing but a dark pool of blood further inside.

Asher muttered something behind him, and a dim spark of light appeared in the center of the cave, hovering at eye level. Despite it's hesitant glow, heat radiated from it. Wade scooted closer towards it, sighing in relief as some of the chill was chased from his bones.

"This is rather spacious," Wade's father commented, scanning the cave. He was right; it was about twenty feet long and fifteen wide, twice as large as Wade would have guessed from the size of the entrance.

Ember trotted to the back of the cave and pressed herself against the rock, obviously agitated. Aurum turned his eyes on the horse, and she snorted.

"Wow," Asher said, sliding wearily to the floor. "We're all soaked."

Wade looked at his clothes, which stuck to him like a second skin. A growing puddle of water had formed around his feet. "You could say that."

"We can wait here for the rest of the night," Wade's father said, shrugging off his coat and shaking it out. Water splattered across the wall next to him.

Aurum settled next to the entrance of the cave, carefully watching the rain. Tendrils of cold mist rose from the ground and filtered into the cave, sparkling in the dim light.

You're all going to sleep now? Aurum asked.

Wade nodded.

Good. You need it.

Wade sat down on the stony ground and leaned his head against the wall. As he gazed at the low roof of the cave, he realized that they wouldn't be able to sleep in the open for much longer. Not as winter descended upon the mountains. Without the warmth from Asher's light, he had no doubt that he'd be shaking from the cold.

As it were, he couldn't help but shiver as he laid down to sleep with Asher and his father. They all stayed close together, sharing each other's warmth. Aurum wordlessly shifted to cover more of the cave entrance, blocking some of the cold air that came through it.

Thanks, Wade said. He wrapped his arms around himself and closed his eyes, resigning himself to a long night.

A dazzling light seared across Wade's eyelids, closely followed by a thunderous crash that shook the ground beneath him. He rolled over and shot to his feet, groping for his sword. Hadn't he just laid down? Why was it so much darker? He could hardly see anything.

Don't worry. Aurum touched his mind, sending a wave of calm through the bond. It's just the storm.

Wade shook his head and scrubbed at his eyes. Asher and his father were close by—somehow unmoved by the storm—huddled against the wall to ward off the cold. Aurum was still sitting before the entrance, his eyes half-lidded, and Ember was standing silently in another corner of the cave. Wade couldn't tell if the horse was asleep or not.

He could see nothing but rain through the cave's entrance, and Asher's light had gone out. He instinctively shrank back against the wall, darkness crushing him from all sides.

Wade, go back to sleep. You're tired.

Wade looked ruefully at the ground, and then the dragon. Adrenaline still shot through his veins, and his muscles burned with energy. I can't. Not right now.

Come and sit with me for a while, then, and we'll see if you calm down.

Wade made his way over to the dragon, nearly tripping over Asher's head as he stumbled through the dark. He sat next to Aurum, rubbing the back of his head.

Another flash of lightning blazed across the sky, accompanied by a roll of thunder. Wade looked back at the others, who didn't even flinch.

You were all exhausted, Aurum explained. It's been like this for hours now, and none of you woke up.

Wow. Wade drew his knees to his chest, shivering.

Aurum looked at him, his gold eyes gleaming with amusement. You can lean against me to warm up, if you'd like. I won't bite.

Wade hesitantly shifted closer to the dragon, resting his head against Aurum's scales. They were warm; a modicum of heat returned to Wade's body, and he sighed. He glanced behind him again, the feeling that he had to keep an eye on everyone somehow amplified in the dark, enclosed cave. His gaze settled on Asher, who seemed stressed even in sleep. He looked perfectly fine, but for a moment all Wade could think of was the horrid wounds he'd seen inflicted upon his friend.

He's fine now, Aurum reassured him.

Yeah. Wade turned back around. But it doesn't feel like it. How is it possible to just . . . make those sorts of injuries disappear?

It is interesting to see what humans can do with magic, Aurum mused.

Well, some humans. It wasn't a joke, but Wade chuckled anyway. Things always seemed funnier when he was tired.

Aurum tilted his head. That doesn't seem to trouble you.

What does?

You cannot use magic.

Wade nearly laughed again. Why would that bother me?

Those who can are far more powerful than you.

Fair point. Wade mulled the question over. But there is a price that comes with that power. The things people like Ash have had to go through because of it . . .

Aurum blinked in silent acknowledgment. He has not had an easy life.

Wade twisted around to look up at the dragon. How would you know?

I have seen a few of his dreams. Aurum sighed, sending a gust of warm air across Wade's head. They are not pleasant.

Wade fell into a solemn silence at that. He knew Asher had nightmares—he'd been woken up by his friend's screams more than once. Wade had asked him what happened, but Asher never told him. Now, with everything that he'd learned, he was beginning to understand.

I still need to ask Ash how he ended up in Aleran, Wade realized. He can't have been in the orphanage all his life.

Why would he tell you?

Wade winced. I'm not going to make him. I just want to know.

Sorry. I didn't mean it like that.

It's okay. Wade rested his head against the dragon's side again, closing his eyes. The rain had lessened somewhat now, though the lightning and thunder persisted. Aurum, I've been meaning to ask you something as well. Why didn't you see the bandits when we made camp by the river?

Aurum was silent for a moment. The answer is simple—they were hidden from me by the canopy. The question you are looking for would be why I didn't smell or hear them.

Okay. Why didn't you? Were they too far away?

I don't know. Maybe. Or perhaps I was too tired. The river could also have hidden their scent. Underneath Aurum's cool reasoning, Wade could feel a hint of annoyance emanating from the dragon. It took him a moment to realize that it wasn't directed at him.

You're upset, he said. I'm sorry. I'm not blaming you.

I know you aren't. But I should have . . . nevermind.

Wade frowned. Aurum usually seemed much more confident and easygoing, and yet here he was, watching the dragon blame himself for something he couldn't have stopped. It's not your fault.

Aurum scrambled to hide his thoughts, but a few slipped past his hasty barrier. I could have explored further to make sure it was safe. And I shouldn't have left for so long. You all could have died . . .

Wade paused. Aww.

Don't—what was that sound you just made in your head? Why did your thoughts just change? Aurum's melancholy mood was swiftly replaced by confusion.

You're adorable.

Indignation flooded through Aurum's mind. I'm a dragon! I am not a cute pet!

Huge dragons can still be adorable. You really do care about us, don't you?

Obviously, I wouldn't be here if I didn't . . . What is that emotion? And now you're doing that human laughing thing. Aurum growled. I don't know why I even bother trying to understand you creatures . . . the dragon trailed off as he gave a huge yawn. Careful not to jostle Wade, he stretched and laid back down with a sigh.

Wade clapped a hand over his mouth, waiting for his laughter to fade. You're tired, Aurum. Go ahead and sleep.

No . . . Aurum shook his head. I've slept more than any of you.

I'm not going back to sleep anyways, Wade said. At least rest for a little while. I'll wake you up if I'm too tired.

Aurum huffed but didn't argue. He settled down and closed his eyes. Wade brushed against the dragon's mind, and realized just how exhausted Aurum had been.

I didn't sleep much today, Aurum explained, his thoughts already beginning to drift. Too worried.

Wade patted the dragon's side. Sleep well.

It only took a few more minutes for Aurum's mind to darken and cloud over. Wade crossed his legs, dutifully scanning the dark forest.

He'd hardly been sitting there for thirty seconds when the snap of a twig cut through the weak pattering of rain. Aurum, still only lightly immersed in his dreams, opened his eyes. He hastily stood, a snarl building in his throat. Wade tumbled off of the dragon at the same time, reaching for his sword. His fingers closed on empty air; with a pang of dread, he realized he'd left it leaning against the cave wall.

What was that? Aurum asked.

Wade squinted into the darkness. Nothing. It might have just been an animal.

Aurum growled in response, his golden eyes flicking side to side.

Wade took a few steps forward into the rain. He spun in a slow circle, ready to leap out of the way. I don't see anything, Aurum.

I don't sense anything, either . . . Aurum tilted his head. Except a deer. I can feel it's aura.

Wade blinked and walked back into the shelter of the cave. I didn't know you could do that.

That would be because I didn't tell you. Aurum shook his head. I can feel the auras of living creatures. That's how I can find their minds and create a connection.

Wade let out a low whistle. That must be handy.

It is. Aurum laid back down, shifting into a comfortable position. Wake me if anything else happens.

Moments later, the dragon was asleep again. Wade tiredly resumed his vigil over the entrance, absentmindedly tracing patterns on the rough stone.

Crack.

Wade's breath caught. The sound had been quieter than the first, barely even audible. He glanced sidelong at Aurum, who hadn't budged.

Crack.

Wade slowly stood up. That's one noisy deer.

He listened for a few more moments, but nothing else happened. He crept forward, letting the rain fall upon his head and shoulders once more. He hesitated when he'd gone a few yards, peering at the thick trees. Still nothing. If he wanted to go any farther, he'd have to let the cave vanish from sight.

Wade tilted his head, listening. There were no other sounds. Perhaps the deer had gone. He took another step forward, and another. Nothing jumped at him. He glanced over his shoulder—Aurum was halfway visible, his scales lost in the darkness of the cave.

Wade sighed and reached up to rub his eyes. I'm too tired for this.

Before he had time to turn around, a stifling pressure wrapped around his chest. He was flung through the air, wrenched deeper into the thick trees. One moment, he was standing in the midst of a group of shadowed bushes, and the next he was being slammed against a tree trunk, his feet hanging a foot or two above the ground. The air was forced from his lungs, and his cry of alarm faded into a quiet, strangled gasp. The pressure extended to his neck, and he began to choke.

"Not a word," a voice hissed in his ear. "And if you even try to use magic, I'll kill you. Do you understand?"

Wade's vision was quickly darkening. He clawed uselessly at his throat, kicking wildly at whatever was holding him up. His feet met nothing but air.

"Do you understand?" came the voice again.

Wade nodded as well as he could. The pressure abruptly faded, and he sucked in a deep breath. He'd never thought air could be so sweet.

When he'd regained some of his breath, Wade lifted his head. A girl around his age was standing a foot away, holding a longbow in her hands. She swiftly stepped back and lifted her weapon, aiming an arrow at his chest. Wade tried to pry himself off of the tree, but whatever held him there was too strong. No doubt the girl was somehow responsible.

"Serafina, what are you doing?"

Wade's eyes flicked to the side; a little girl stood next to one of the trees, watching with wide blue eyes. Her blond hair, dark with rain, was matted and tangled. She couldn't have been more than ten years old.

The older girl's eyes never left Wade. "Go back, Kira. I have to take care of something."

"But it's dark," the child protested. "And cold."

"I know, Kira. But I really, really need you to go wait there until I call. It's not safe right now."

"Is he one of the bad men?"

"Kira," Serafina snapped.

Kira hesitated, but a single sharp look from the older girl sent her scrambling back into the darkness.

"Who are you?" Wade quickly asked.

"I told you to shut up," Serafina growled. Her hands tightened on her bow, and Wade flinched, his gaze returning to the arrow aimed at his heart.

"Now," the girl continued, "Don't call that dragon. Don't do anything. I'll kill you before it opens its eyes."

Wade swallowed and nodded. He looked closer at her, scrambling for something to do. She had long, dark hair that tumbled down her back, the same color as her thin jacket. Her eyes were the same dark, sapphire blue as Kira's. She was beautiful, in a fierce sort of way, but that wasn't what Wade was looking for. He focused on her face: there was anger there, yet, but also a hint of fear.

"I mean you no harm," he began, trying to keep his voice calm.

"Stop," Serafina hissed. She paused, and something shifted in the air. "I'm going to ask you some questions. I'll know if you're lying, so be truthful. Okay?"

"Okay."

Serafina looked at him for a moment and frowned. "You're awfully young for a Valkir . . ." she shook her head. "They'll be recruiting children next . . ."

"I'm not—" Wade's voice cut off abruptly: the pressure was back, cutting off his airway.

"I told you to stop talking," Serafina muttered. "Last warning." She shifted, and the force vanished. Wade gasped and sagged against the tree.

"I—" he stopped as a series of coughs wracked his body. "I'm not a Valkir. I'm not even a magic-user."

Serafina's eyes widened, but she didn't move. "That's not an answer. How many?"

"Four. That's it. We're not Valkir; we don't want to hurt anyone. We just need help." The words slipped from Wade's mouth in a desperate rush, tangling together.

Serafina paused, her eyes sliding away as if she was listening to someone Wade couldn't hear. She seemed confused. In the midst of his fear, Wade noticed a long scar that spanned the length of her left cheek. It seemed recent.

"You're the one who killed that Valkir, aren't you?" he asked. "Did he do that to you?"

Serafina tensed. "Who are you?"

"I-I'm from Aleran. I'm with my friend and my father. We were running from the Valkir."

"No. You were tracking me. I could feel it." Serafina's hand—the one that held the arrow nocked—twitched. Wade sucked in a sharp breath, already able to feel that point ripping through his heart.

"We-we just needed help. We found that dead Valkir and hoped . . ." Wade trailed off, his scrambled thoughts failing him.

Serafina bit her lip, and her bow lowered an inch or so. "You're telling the truth," she said, so softly Wade could hardly hear the words. She looked at him, the anger in her eyes beginning to fade.

"Yes," Wade said, relief flooding through him.

Serafina took a step back. The force holding Wade up vanished, and he toppled to the ground. Rubbing his throat, he looked up at her warily. She still had her bow pointed at him, but with less conviction.

"You really just want help?" she asked.

"Yes. We don't mean to hurt you—either of you," Wade added, thinking of the little girl.

Serafina hesitantly lowered her bow. "Why would you follow me? I thought the Valkir were coming."

"We couldn't think of anything else."

Serafina was silent for a long moment, obviously considering something. Finally, she squared her shoulders pointed in the direction of the cave. "Is there room for two more in there? My sister is freezing to death out here."

Wade nodded.

Serafina cleared her throat, her expression shifting to one of complete and utter discomfort. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Serafina stepped back and held a hand to her mouth. She gave a low whistle, and in moments the little girl reappeared. She clung to Serafina's skirt, looking at Wade with wide eyes.

"Hi," Wade said, giving her a little wave.

". . . What's your name?" Kira asked, shifting closer to her sister.

"Wade. And you're Kira?"

The little girl nodded.

Wade smiled at her; she reminded him of a few kids he'd watched over in Aleran, quiet and wide-eyed. "It's nice to meet you."

Serafina was watching him warily. She'd returned the arrow to a quiver strapped to her waist. "You go first. We'll follow."

Wade dipped his head and walked out of the cover of the trees. The cave slid into view, Aurum still sleeping soundly inside. Serafina hung back, her bow clenched tight in her hands. She seemed to expect a fight.

Wade paused in front of the dragon. Aurum.

Hmm? Aurum staggered to his feet, shaking his head.

I, er, found that magi.

Aurum's eyes moved past Wade's shoulder, where the two girls stood huddled under a tree. I've been asleep for three minutes. Three.

Wade shrugged. Want to let them in?

Are they dangerous?

I don't think so.

That's not very reassuring.

It's the best I've got.

Aurum narrowed his eyes at Serafina. Fine. But I'm waking the others up. The dragon slid out of sight, padding over to Asher.

Wade followed, motioning for the girls to follow. After a pause, Serafina stepped out of the cover of the trees and made her way into the cave, her head ducked against the rain. She paused at the entrance, clutching Kira's hand with her free hand.

"Wade?" That was Asher, sitting up the instant Aurum nudged his side. He jumped to his feet, sparks dancing around his hands as he prepared for battle. "What's going on?"

"I found her," Wade said simply.

"What are you—" Asher stopped; he'd noticed Serafina standing behind Wade, tensed and ready to run at a moment's notice. His mouth fell open.

For a moment, nobody moved. Then Serafina took a hesitant step forward, her eyes fixed on the sparks of flame running across Asher's fingers.

"You're the one who's been following me."

Asher nodded. The movement was stiff and jerky.

"And you're not a Valkir, are you?" It wasn't really a question.

"No," Asher said quietly.

Wade glanced at his father, who Aurum was still trying to wake up. The blacksmith raised his head and blinked at them like an owl, trying to understand what he was seeing.

"Well, then." Serafina lifted her chin proudly. "Let's talk."