Chapter 121

• Edric didn’t stop. He barely even slowed down. Without turning around, he replied curtly, “Grandpa, not now. I’ll talk to you once I’m back.”
• His tone wasn’t angry, but it was distant — distant enough to sting. There was something cold in his voice, something that said his mind was already far away, perhaps in a forest, perhaps chasing Alora.
• Mr. Rodriguez opened his mouth to speak again, to insist, to plead even — but Edric was already halfway through the door.