[This post is from Matt’s point of view.]
“Who do you think it is?” Phelan asked in the same breath that Gideon asked, “How far away are they?”
Daegon glanced between them, frowning, clearly trying to figure out who to answer first.
Hecate drew up alongside Matt, her fingers twining through his. “How far away are they?” she asked, her voice quiet. Her hand tightened around his, though she still stood straight, showing no hint of fear.
Daegon exhaled, rubbing at his temple. “Twenty miles, maybe,” he said quietly. “Northwest, near the lakeshore. It could be remnants of the dirae who were here in the last fight. Might be others.”
“It’s probably the same ones,” Hecate said softly. “But you could be right, they could be from somewhere else. They’re—they’re kind of everywhere. They answer those who know how to call them.”
“Could you still do it?” Phelan asked quietly, studying her.
Hecate shuddered. “Would you really want me to? I know I wouldn’t.”
“I guess not,” Phelan said, grimacing.
“We can beat them if we have to,” Matt said. “Does it look like they’re heading this way?”
“I think they’re just massing,” Daegon said. “At least for now.”
“For now,” Gideon echoed grimly, glancing at them. “I don’t like the sound of that.”
“None of us do,” Matt murmured. “None of us ever do.”
