Meirleach’s heart seized in his chest as he and the other scouts moved after the three intruders. Líadan was near. Long ago, he had started to feel her presence far before he could see her, after witnessing her moment in the Waste. He knew he could not show any sign of slowing or recognition, as the others had been alerted to the intruders’ mission. They would be alert to any sign of Líadan.
Meirleach knew Manadh had left the scout party to take word to his mother and uncle. They had never been closer to finding Líadan as they now had potential bait. Only men who knew her, once upon a time, would be foolish enough to go this deep into the Wood with limited gear and blasted lights, ever illuminated.
It was like these men had never been in the dark before. They needed to let their eyes adjust and then learn to watch the shadows for danger. Shadows provided plenty to see, if you knew what to look for. There were always shades within the shadows of darkness…
Meirleach chanced a brief glance behind him, seeing no variation within the shades. As he returned his eyes to his quarry though, he caught sight of a void in the dark.
Líadan. He knew it was her. He closed his eyes, pulling the Umbra Nihili up and around her, swallowing her deeper into the darkness of the Wood. Just as he did, he felt the presence of his mother and his uncle join the pursuit.
Jewels from the Dark 
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