3
As we gathered what was left of our people and filed out of the enclave, we encountered a few more red alchemists and revenants. Most of the time, the warriors dealt with them, but when they were too many, I blocked their way with a wall of fire. Felix and Vira were able to get out too, and found us as we fled.
I felt like a coward for abandoning our home—and the tziganes we couldn’t save—but if we had stayed and fought, more of us would have been hurt. Or worse, perished.
In the middle of the night, we trekked through the forest, putting as much distance as we could between us and our enemies. At every corner, after every snapping twig, at every gentle breeze, my heart hammered in my chest, sure Damara would take me by surprise.
It was early morning, and the sun was already hiking u
