“Enough.” Asher finally said, his voice low but dangerous. “We’re here to prepare. If anyone can’t do that, they leave now.”
Gage scowled but didn’t argue. His jealousy was obvious, and I could see how much it hurt him that I wasn’t his to command. But we didn’t have time for fights. Not now. Not when the Codex, the mark, and the creature were all moving closer.
Arlo handed me a small leather pouch of charms. “These are protective. You wear them. They won’t stop everything, but they can help. And… try not to let the mark get out of control. The guardian will respond to it.”
I nodded, slipping the charms around my neck and wrists. My chest flared as if reacting to the extra protection, a warm pulse spreading through my veins.
Asher handed me a short sword, its hilt warm and familiar. “T
