Talia ran until she reached the shore of the lake that was South of Darkbourne.
Normally, the sandy beach would have people, even during winter, but now it was silent because the whole territory was on alert, and people stayed in their homes and shelters.
Talia paused when she saw a female sitting on the sand and staring at the lake. It was Stephanie. Or was it?
'Lis?'
'That's a she-wolf,' Liseli responded.
Well, at least it was not a Guardian, Talia thought. But it didn't make it better. Talia hoped that it was a Guardian in disguise, or that Stephanie was brainwashed or blackmailed, or something... anything other than Damon's mother figure being responsible for his disappearance.
Talia waved at Liam, Keith, and Arya to stay behind. She was aware those three were following her, and she didn't mind as long as they didn't try to stop her.
"Is something wrong with your mind link?" Talia asked when she approached Stephanie.
