Emerald's heart hammered as the strong hand covered her mouth, dragging her deeper into the shadows. She thrashed wildly, her training kicking in as she tried to break free from her captor's grip.
"Stop fighting me," a familiar voice hissed in her ear. "It's me."
Emerald's struggles ceased immediately. The hand slowly moved away from her mouth, and she spun around to face Kieran, his icy-blue eyes glinting in the pre-dawn light.
"Kieran?" she whispered harshly. "Seriously, I could have harmed you or something!"
"Thank God you're safe," Kieran said with relief, though he still looked worried. "What the hell are you doing sneaking around Rick's camp at dawn?"
"What are you doing here?" Emerald whispered urgently, glancing around the dense thicket. "You could have been seen!"
"I got worried when you didn't return as planned," Kieran said quietly, his eyes searching her face. "It's been two days, Em. Two days with no word, no signal. I couldn't just sit there waiting anymore."
