“Get back!” she warned.
“For a map,” Lira cut in. “To the Unchained Springs. A place even the Empire’s brand can’t follow.”
It came from the eastern ledge—a woman’s voice, sharp with panic but not fear. Command. He crept closer and saw her: Sera Valoris, the “Sapphire Blade” of the Explorer’s Guild. Her long dark hair was tangled with crystal shards, and her twin shortswords were drawn against a writhing mass of Obsidian Vines. Behind her, two other women struggled. adventure of the outlawed tamer with beautiful explorers raw
Pretty , the serpent thought. Trust?
“I’m trying !”
Silence.
“Blocked!” Lira shouted back. “Maren, barrier now!” “Get back
The vines were Grade-A4 flora—psychic, venomous, and territorial. The Seekers had fled at the first tremor. But these three… they hadn’t run.