Chapter 125

"W-Where… are the others?"

"I told them to go ahead."

Maxi's face fell. "D-Did you have to separate… because of me?"

Riftan turned to her as he pulled Talon out from behind a tree. His expression was so flat that it was hard to imagine it had been so full of emotion just moments before.

"I am sure Hebaron is capable of leading them. I told them I would follow as soon as I found you."

"B-But… how did you find me?"

"I followed your trail," he replied tersely, looking down at her feet.

Puzzled, Maxi followed his gaze and saw her footprints in the dirt. They were barely visible in the rough terrain twisted with roots.

It was astonishing that he had been able to find her using such a trail. Seeing Maxi's surprise, Riftan pointed to the horseshoe marks next to her prints and to the branches Rem had trampled along the way.

"Truth is, it was your mare that was the biggest help."

"D-Did it not occur to you… that they might be monster tracks?"