The same cave entrance that we took last time wasn't far away from the bixie's den. As we stepped inside, Bai Ye uttered a quick spell under his breath, and I felt a refreshing presence of spiritual power surrounding me like a shield. "This spell will hide our scent for an hour," he explained. "Since we have no more need for yazis this time, it would be easier if we don't let them find us."
I winced at the memory of our encounter with those beasts last year. I was always so good at getting myself into trouble … and making him save me at the risk of his life at that. I squeezed his hand in guilt. "I'm much stronger now," I assured him. "Even if we do run into them again, I can protect myself. Don't worry about me."
