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"If you're that scared." I scowl. "Then you can go through the portal. I'll send a wolf with you and you'll be safe. After all, you're not that interesting."

She seems taken aback.

"Isn't that why you wanted me…" Her voice is dark. "Why you gave me that vengeance…" that last part is muttered. Not for my ears. "I'll follow you. I can't just leave you alone."

She tilts her head.

"We need to leave then. I'll leave first. You need to sneak out. Those soldiers are still here, searching for you."

I tilt my head, matching hers.

"And that'll work?"

I'm humoring her.

"Yes. Orders won't fall down fast enough for them to stop me. And I'll just relinquish my key to the first person I see. It shouldn't be any harm."

I shrug. "If you say so. But I'm warning you… I'm absolutely serious in continuing my chase. Regardless of who's after me."

She grits her teeth.