They wouldn't let her exist peacefully. They would either want to buy her, steal her, or destroy her.
Cyrus's throat tightened until it hurt.
"I can't stay," a thought whispered coldly. "If I stay, I bring the knife to her door."
His eyes flickered toward Isabella.
She didn't look afraid. She looked like a queen who had decided that winter would not beat her.
Cyrus felt a wave of tenderness so strong it made him dizzy.
Then fear chased it.
If Fifth City truly followed his trail, Isabella would be in danger because of him.
Cyrus's chest tightened. His tail, hidden under his robe, curled slightly as his body instinctively prepared to flee.
"If I disappear," he thought, "maybe they will follow me instead. If I go far enough, maybe the village will be safe."
He hated himself for thinking that. He also could not stop.
While the hunters continued searching and Kian continued organizing, Isabella turned away and headed toward the central hall.
