Chapter 2

Ellery

There wasa reason I'd chosen that branch to perch on, and as I was about to let go, that reason helped me when the carriage clattered over a rut as I released the rope. My added weight to the vehicle wasn't noticeable as it bounced into the air before crashing to the ground.

The impact nearly knocked me off the back, but I grasped the metal ladder leading to the top of the very expensive rig. Gripping the cool metal in both hands, I remained low as I steadied myself.

When I felt secure enough to move, I rose onto my tiptoes to peer over the top of the vehicle, making sure to stay away from the back window. Luckily for me, the driver's seat was below the roof, and I couldn't see him from here… which meant, if he turned around for some reason, he couldn't see me either.

I did get a great view of the chest tied with a leather strap across the roof. I tapped the knife against my side to reassure myself it was still there before using the ladder to climb to the top of the carriage.

With the stealth and speed I'd developed over years of running through the woods and training with my father, I moved swiftly across the top while remaining crouched low. The jingle of the horses' harnesses filled the air, and their hooves beat out a rapid rhythm against the ground as we progressed around a familiar bend.

I had plenty of time before I had to get off the carriage again, and while speed was of the essence, I reminded myself of this as I tried not to rush. I'd only make a mistake if I went too fast, and everything was going well.

Kneeling beside the chest, I pulled my knife free and wrapped my legs around it to keep it in place while I sliced the strap. Once cut, I tied the ends of the strap together to keep them from falling free and bouncing against the vehicle.

When I finished, I gathered the chest against my belly and scooted backward until I reached the end. I swung my legs over the edge and, hugging the chest, slid down to the back ledge again.

Back where I started, I grinned as I set the chest on the small platform to admire my handiwork. I was about to pick it up again to leap off the carriage and race into the woods, but a noise from inside caught my attention.

I froze while I waited for someone or something to shout at me. I'd hate to do it, especially since I knew there was a lot in here, but if necessary, I'd throw the chest at them and run. They'd be too distracted with recouping their wealth to follow me.

As seconds passed, no one yelled at me, but the strange noises continued. What is going on in there?

Taking a deep breath, I peeked around the window. It was a mistake; I should have jumped off and run, but curiosity got the best of me, and like the cat curiosity killed, I was going to end up dead—no, since we were in the Revenant Woods, I'd return as a ghost to haunt these trees.

When I spotted the large male within, my stomach sank as I realized how big of a mistake I'd made by choosing this conveyance.

That damn cat had gotten off lucky.