Compliments

Sneaking out of the party had been extremely easy, especially when everyone was busy flirting, drinking, or trying to enjoy themselves. Khan had simply been focused on leaving even before reaching that spot in the valley.

Snow arrived on the other side of the mountain a bit before two am, and Khan was already waiting for the creature in the first empty spots that he found. He didn't know much about the area outside the academy ground, but the Aduns could rely on the mental connection to pinpoint his exact location. The thick crowns of the trees even covered the sky, so those still in the party had no chance to notice its arrival.

The Aduns needed less than three hours to reach the marsh from the academy, and that only if it didn't play around during the flight. Time wasn't on Khan's side that night, but the Niqols' customs managed to bring some relief to his packed schedule.