Page 48 of Red Marked

“You’re not wrong in your thinking,” Star says over the top of Koa’s head, and her blue eyes hold mine across the fire. “Some of the ferals are not bad at all. In fact, there are a few who shouldn’t be here in the first place. Like us, they were sent against their will, and they’re completely innocent of any wrongdoing.”

What?

I frown, everything in me tightening.

What have I stumbled upon?

“We’ll talk about it more some other time,” Star says.

I nod once.

Koa turns, and her chin wobbles as she looks at me. “I want to go home. I need…my mom.” Her voice breaks as she says it. “I know you said that you would, but…I am struggling to believe it after all these months. It feels so unreal.”

That soft plea hits me hard in the gut.

“I am taking you tonight.” My voice is rough with emotion. I hold her gaze and put everything I have into the words. “One way or another, Koa, I am getting you home. I won’t let anyone or anything stop me.”

“Thank you for coming.” A tear trickles down her cheek. “For risking everything for us.”

“It will be my pleasure to help you.” My throat has gone thick. “I won’t rest until you’re home safe. You have my word…all of you.”

The other two have tears in their eyes. They smile at me.

Koa starts to cry again, both hands pressed over her mouth, but this time she’s smiling through it.

“I will come with you,” Star tells them. “There are a couple of things we need to talk about first, just in case you are questioned. It is very important that you know what you are allowed to say and what you need to keep to yourself. The safety of all of us here depends on it.”

“Okay,” Savanna says.

“We won’t let you down.” Caldera clasps her hands in front of her.

The other two nod.

“Come and sit,” Star tells them, showing them to the side of the fire, and they do. “You can’t tell anyone about us. Not one word. We do not exist.”

“Okay,” one of them says.

“This is what you need to know.” She gives them the drill, keeping it simple.

“Are you sure you know what to say if you are asked?” I check, looking at each of them in turn.

“That we have been living with a feral male who looked after us. He ran away when you and your team flew down. We went with you,” Caldera says.

“Yes. You don’t have to say anything other than that,” I tell them.

“What if they—?” Koa starts to ask.

“You don’t say anything. I won’t let them question you. I will take you somewhere quiet and safe. You will leave with the Draig team tomorrow. Okay?”

Caldera nods. “We’re ready. We want to go home.”

They smile, looking excited.

“It’s settled, then,” Star says, standing. “We should probably go.” She looks around at the females gathered there. “You’ve trusted my judgment every day for all these years. It has kept every one of you alive. I’m asking you to trust it now…all of you. Please listen to Scarlet. She is your leader in my absence.”

“Please come back.” A female steps forward. “Please don’t forget about us.”

“Never. I will get those responsible for what happened to us, and I will come back to free you all. You have my word.”