Crow lapsed into silence as Penelope explained what had really happened after they had split up at the castle. Though he would never say so out loud, it did sound like her fear of thunder had been the reason why Abraxas had taken the arrow. He averted his gaze uncomfortably. The worst part was that he couldn’t think of anything to say to make her feel better. After all, he knew better than anyone how dangerous it could be to freeze up in the middle of a battle. If he tried to tell her that she was wrong and that she shouldn’t blame herself, then he would be a hypocrite.

“I’m sorry that happened,” he murmured, trying a gentler approach. “But you shouldn’t say that. It’s unfortunate Abraxas didn’t make it out with the rest of us, but don’t sell yourself completely short. You still saved William.” As their hands brushed once more, he grabbed hers, gave it a quick squeeze, and then let go again. “Besides, I’m glad you weren’t the one who died,” he added softly, recalling how terrified he had been when Aeklora had told him only three of them would make it back. Turning to her, he offered a halfhearted smile, “You have no idea how worried I was that I’d never see you again.”

“This looks like a decent place to stop,” William announced from up ahead. They had arrived in a small clearing surrounded by a thick border of trees, far enough from any town that it was unlikely for them to be spotted. The knight turned around to face them, “It’s almost daybreak, so we don’t have long to rest. Penelope, sleep while you can, and I’ll wake you when it’s time for you to take the second watch. We need to get moving again before high noon.”

“I forgot what pleasant company he is,” Crow muttered to her under his breath.

“What was that, Lockton?” William growled.

“Nothing,” Crow said airily, moving to sit beneath a nearby tree as he removed the bow and quiver from his shoulders. He yawned and laid back in the grass, resting his head on his arms. After everything that had happened, he was ready for a good, long nap.