Edmond’s voice pops into my mind, and I realize through all of this planning, my crucial error. I didn’t account for any changes in the plan. I only focused on one angle. We had no contingencies, no backups.
I’ve made a huge mistake.
I’m in this alone, and I have to get out of it alone.
I can handle this.
I just need to get the dust, and get back to the ship, back to the people I love, and hope Weston doesn’t hate me because I left.
CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE
Dane leads me across the bridge to the other side of the island, the forest that reminds me of Blackwood looming before us. I’d hoped we would take the long way around, not out of nervousness crossing the bridge where I almost fell into the depths with the monsters below, but because I wanted to be seen.
My hope of passing in front of the mountain was dashed as soon as Dane turned off the main path, cutting through the center of the island. I wanted to be seen by whoever was in the lookout on shift today. Walking over that stone bridge was my last hope of Sig finding out that I wasn’t where I was supposed to be.
But we didn’t, so she will never know.
I’m truly alone.
No one is coming for me.
“This way.” Trailing behind him, I follow as Dane cuts off the path, walking straight into the trees. The forest is dark, the trees so dense that all the remaining light from the sunset above us is blocked by the towering trees.
This part of the island is new to me, the forest unfamiliar, even though I’ve spent my life looking out my windows at asimilar one. Once I was searching on my own, I started on the other side of the island, purposely staying close to camp until I was familiar and confident I could make it back before dusk. When I drew my map, I was methodical, and when the time came to cross over and search the other side, I’d already found the waters. The forest is unfamiliar territory, and I don’t know where we are going, or even worse, how to get out.
I try to remember the nearest entrance to the tunnels, but we never took one this far into the forest. The closest I know of is at the edge, just beyond the bridge, the same one I told Roley to meet me at in three more nights.
The Oasis is on the other side of the trees.
Depending how far into the forest we end up, if I need to escape I can continue on through the other side, to the dunes. If I could find the magical cut in the ceiling, maybe the island would let me drop through into the pool below.
Maybe I’d have to beg the island for safety, just as Sig and I did before.
I hope it doesn’t get to that.
“We’re almost there,” Dane says over his shoulder, his hand still clutching mine tightly as we tramp through the brush and needles.
I stay silent, lost in my thoughts and observing anything that could help me, or anywhere I could hide if I need it. Nothing stands out or catches my eye that might lead me to safety, and I can’t help but notice the scent as we weave through the trees.
With the endless fog and clouds and the moisture in the air, Blackwood smells damp and musty. The wet soil and dewy vegetation give off a scent that means home, but here, even with all the moisture in the air, it is completely different. The forest smells… happy…the trees fragrant. It feels familiar, even though it is the exact opposite of home.
“It’s just ahead,” Dane says, breaking the silence, as well as my concentration. Leaning to the side, I sneak a glance past him, and my eyes fall on a tiny structure tucked away in a slight break in the trees. Felled logs make up the peaked framework, with only a single door and a small dark window set into it. It barely looks like two people could fit inside, let alone someone as tall as Dane.
“After you,” Dane says, and pushes open the door, gesturing for me to enter first. The room lights up before me, and I take in the space, the same magic that creates the cabin back at camp at work here as well.
A wall of windows sits opposite the door, the view of the forest through them peaceful and stunning. Everything else is simple; small wooden table with a few chairs is tucked into the corner near the door. Next to it, a smooth stone hearth that lies across from a single bed.
“Make yourself comfortable,” Dane says behind me, and I startle slightly. My eyes are fixed on the single bed, and I gulp down the lump forming in my throat.
It wasn’t long ago that the thought of being alone with Dane was thrilling, and something I hoped would happen. I never would have balked at sharing a bed, or whatever followed.
But now my mouth goes dry as I stare at it, anticipating any expectations he might have based on how I was before.WhoI was before.
Now, there’s only one man I want to share a bed with.
Dane steps around me, crossing the room and kneeling before the hearth. He arranges some chopped wood inside and works to strike sparks into the kindling underneath. My gaze drifts down to his bare feet, then to his discarded boots beside me, and my heartbeat hastens. Suspicions might rise if I don’t take mine off too, but if I do, I risk him finding my dagger.
And I’m left unprotected.
