Rose was still at Mark's side, equally still, with that uncomfortable expression still on her face from when Hod had grabbed her hands.
"And this is exactly why I prefer staying inside the dungeon…"
Mark stood on the path watching the cloud of dust left by the horses slowly dissipate between the trees.
"…Yuki," Mark said through the mental link.
"I'm here, Master."
"Follow them, make sure they're far enough from the dungeon, then come back to me," Mark ordered.
"As you command, Master."
Yuki's presence vanished from the surroundings as quickly as always, leaving Mark alone with Rose in the middle of the wooded path.
Then Mark looked at the vampire.
"You know, I really didn't expect anyone to be following us."
Rose was quiet for a moment.
"Well… that's probably mine and Alice's fault," Rose said in a tone that wasn't exactly guilty, but wasn't entirely carefree either.
Mark looked at her for a second longer, then let out a sigh.
