Jacob shared the beauty of the night with Zande. He had not seen color in more than three years, so it was all new and wonderful to him. The silvery leaves of the trees glittering below them, the sheen of water from the large lake nearby, the haunting shriek of an owl as it missed its prey, and the rustle of gray mice scurrying through vegetation on the forest floor.
Dedari would be unable to track Zande while they were merged so fully together. The moment they were apart again, he could find her. The trick was to take her far away, set up as many blinds as time would allow, so that Dedari would have no choice but to turn back, seeking safety before the dawn broke upon them.
Zande faltered for a moment when she read Jacob's intentions. She had not considered being away from her family during the day, when she would be completely vulnerable.
