Chapter 304

Jorick found a cave and led the group into it. It got narrower and narrower as it twisted back into the mountain. Verchiel cheerfully disappeared into the yawning blackness, but Katelina only went as far as she had to before she laid down on a mesh of old leaves and pine needles.

Sadihra continued on past, though from the sound of her footsteps she didn't go far. Jorick stretched out beside Katelina and she snuggled close to him. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against his warm, lean body. She buried her face in his chest and tried to wash away the memories of the bloody battle and the feeling of hopelessness that had gripped her ever since.

"You said that Malick might use the Heart to bargain. With who?"

"The Kugsankal. When we left for the New World, Malick stole it from the one who used to be the leader."

"Used to be?"