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As he speaks, a pair of yellow eyes peek out from behind a tree. I don’t have to see her to know it’s the hare, the most curious of the four.
“They’re called Cypres. They are creatures made of shadows that can infiltrate a trespasser’s mind to show them their worst fears. They flood the mind with terrifying images, which results in the sensation of one’s mind being ripped apart,” I answer, scanning Theo for a reaction.
He swallows hard, most likely remembering his time in the woods.
“That’s how they killed my guards, then? No wonder they screamed like that,” he says, and his body stiffens.
“Sadly, yes. It’s their job to protect Umbra from all trespassers. They can sense intent, which is why only a few survive the woods. If they find you worthy, you’re granted safe passage,” I say, hoping he understands that neither I nor Asher killed his men.
“Why did they let me live then? We all arrived in Umbra with the same intentions,” he asks, eyeing me expectantly.
Because you’re nothing like them.
“Maybe they saw something in you that you can’t see,” I say, choosing my words carefully.
Theo studies me for a long moment. His gaze examining my face.
I smile at him, feeling my heart nearly bursting with possibilities of what his being here means. Then I walk into the haunted forest. Theo, understandably, doesn’t move.
He stands at the edge of the forest, still stiff and tense.
“They won’t hurt you, Captain,” I call over my shoulder.
He doesn’t budge.
“Like I said before, nothing will hurt you when you’re with me. Don’t you trust me?” I ask for the second time and watch his internal debate play out on his face.
“Not even a little bit,” he replies hesitantly, but I can feel that it’s a lie.
He walks toward me. “If they kill me, I’ll haunt you for the rest of your life.”
“Don’t threaten me with a good time, Captain,” I say as he steps beside me, determination replacing the hesitation in his eyes.
He trusts me.
I turn and head into the haunted forest with Theo one step behind.
The sunlight speckles through the dense branches above, dimly lighting our way. It doesn’t take long for the Cypres to sense someone in their woods. Shadows stalk us through the trees, staying just out of sight. Theo’s head darts from side to side as they follow us toward the clearing. He comes to walk beside me.
The closer we get to the clearing, the more the Cypres circle. The black voids whirl through the trees, sending a breeze to stir the leaves underfoot. We stop near the center with patches of light dotting the space.
The Cypres continue to dance along the tree line at an increasing pace, as if unsure of what to do. Theo spins, as if trying to capture a glimpse of a creature, but they’re too quick. I grab his arms and plant him in front of me. Small sparks flare across my palm from where it touches his skin. My shadows swirl excitedly in their well at each feel of him.
Theo’s breathing is frantic as he tries to follow the shadows circling us.
“You’re safe, Theo,” I reassure him, hoping to ease his panic.
His eyes lock on mine. His chest rising and falling in quick breaths.
“I’m sorry. Like most people, I was taught to fear the dark. You may say I don’t have to worry, but my gut says those beasts are out to get me,” he says, pointing at the tree line.
As if in response, the wind picks up, lifting my hair.
“The darkness isn’t something you should fear, Theo. Far worse monsters hide in the light,” I reply, knowing that one of the real beasts rules over Lux. A man who will destroy anyone who stands in the way of his power.
With my words, the Cypres stop. The wind comes to a halt and silence falls upon the woods. Theo’s eyes nearly pop out of his head at the sudden change. He looks frantic.
“What’s that?” Theo blurts, looking over my shoulder.
