Chapter 452

They quickly crossed the highway and set off into the woods. Once inside the trees little light from the moon or the stars penetrated the thick summer foliage, so Leesa and Dominic floated golden illumination orbs in front of them to keep from tripping over any roots or being poked in the face by unseen branches. They kept their lights dim enough to not interfere with whatever trace of his father Ralin was following.

Ralin moved through the forest silently, as was his wont, but Leesa could hear her footsteps and Dominic’s rustling through the still darkness. No matter, though—she did not see any need for silence, at least not yet.

“What is it that you are actually following, Ralin?” she asked after a few minutes. She did not doubt that he was on his father’s trail; she was just curious what kind of trail he saw, or sensed.

“Volkaanes leave a very faint blue afterglow behind them,” Ralin replied without turning around. &l