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“Ass,” Soren grumbled. He adjusted his backpack and jerked his head. “Ready?”

I gave the climb one last look. “You remembered the tent?”

Soren snorted and started walking. “I remember everything, Moira darling.”

I turned to go, but Rowan caught me by the arm.

Our eyes met. He lowered his voice to almost a whisper. “Soren is more than you see on the surface. Take care with him.” He closed his eyes for a brief moment. “And do your absolute best not to die, okay?”

Rowan and I weren’t close exactly, but I cared for him like a brother. I reached over and patted him on the cheek. “Evie will be very upset if I die, I know.”

Rowan chuckled. “We all will, but especially her.”

I stepped away but thought of something. “Have you seen Tess and Ash?”

Rowan’s eyes lit from within. “Ash took her to his grove.”

I gasped. “What? When?”

“Right after we brought you back.”

“It’s serious then.”

He nodded. “I think so.”

Aww. Good for them. “If I’m not back when they get back, please tell them I love them and will see them soon.”

“I will.” He scratched behind his ear.

“Spit it out.”

“Cernunnos asked not to be disturbed by anyone…” His voice trailed off.

“But especially me?” I probed.

The Lord winced. “If you run into trouble up there, I don’t think he’ll come.”

“It’s fine.” My heart sank at Rowan’s words, but I couldn’t keep relying on powerful people to get me out of jams. I had to embrace my own magic and my own power and solve my own problems.

“Moira, I see your expression, and you’re wrong. What happened to you was wrong, and none of us could have done as well as you did.”

He winced. “Not well.” Rowan’s nostrils flared. “Shit. I’m messing this up. You’re a survivor, and you did your absolute best in a situation where most people wouldn’t have made it through. No one solved your problem. We came after someone we loved.”

Rowan paused, his mouth curling in a grimace. “Remember your bargain with Evie if things go awry up there.”

“Even though she’s pregnant?”

“She made the damn thing knowing she was,” he grumbled. “If it gets to that, call her.”

“I’ll do my best not to,” I promised and tried to ignore the relief that flashed over his face. I turned. “See you on the flip side, Rowan.”

“Come back to her, Moira.”

I lifted my hand in a wave and jogged after Soren.

The massive male stood at the bottom waiting for me. His eyes held a manic glint. “This is going to suck.”

I snorted. “Yeah. I wish I could fly.”