SELECT

Days passed after Marshall and Jerrett left for Chiran, and Basha and Therese set out on their journey. Reigna and Eden felt their most ardent supporters had abandoned them. In the meantime, they’d received no word from Mara and Dixon. Whenever a guard made his way back to the compound center, the twins rushed out to greet him, in hopes that their loved ones had returned. But as yet, it was not to be. If it was not for the fact that Lucy seemed to have heard what they’d said to her, things would be even more difficult. As it was, the woman gave them the space they demanded, although not without occasionally displaying her displeasure.

Eden pleasantly surprised her sister when she informed her the evening after their confrontation with Lucy, that she agreed they should leave the compound. Neither knew their ultimate destination, but they looked forward to getting out on their own. In hushed conversations held whenever they were alone, the twins discussed things they would take along. They divided up the list of goods they would require and then, bit by bit, collected their gear, always with an eye toward keeping anyone from discerning their plans.

“We’ve gathered quite a load,” Reigna commented as she looked over their collection of supplies.

“Yes . . . I think we need to start culling.”

“Unless we intend to take a carriage.”

“Right,” Eden chuckled. “Try to keep Lucy from noticing that.”