The village deep in the forest had not taken lightly to the news that Nukasuni was dead. To pay respects, and even more than that, they were silent and inside their homes. A great bonfire was lit just outside the village.

Aden stood on top of the cliff, as always. Maria wasn’t there with him. Instead, it was Alice who he saw and he heard the footsteps.

“Are you finally here to kill me?” Aden asked.

Alice stared back in silence, but her eyes did not show surprise. She narrowed her eyes on him. “I find that you’re of better use to us alive. Besides, I know there’s still one more thing you need to do. I know that’ll benefit us.”

Aden nodded. “My family. They’re alive.”

Alice nodded back, with a slight smile. “Are you really going there?”

“They’re alive,” Aden replied. “And I have questions.”

Alice scoffed, then shook her head.