Isla led us through a thicket to the edge of the cool, rushing river. The aqua blue of the water reflected brightly against the beaming sun. I leaned into the soft, floral breeze that followed, savoring the coolness in the stifling heat that had arrived mid-morning. I closed my eyes for a moment, listening to the trickle of the clear water and the whisper of the trees as the wind rushed through them.
I opened them, smiling for a moment before Isla slammed her hands into the center of my back, sending me flying into the calm waters at the river’s edge.
The chill water sent a shock through my system. My feet scrambled against the stony bottom, my hands slipping on the slick green algae coating the larger rocks I used to push myself up.
“What the hell!?” I snapped, leaping up.
“You looked hot!” She laughed. “And I’m sick of seeing you in all black.”
Vulcan rolled his eyes before turning back to the main road.
Isla stepped forward into the water.
“Trust me,” she said, holding out a hand and winking.
I shook the water off myself, glancing at the golden paint still intact along my arms.
I grabbed her hand, holding her in place as I splashed her with my other.
“You brat!” She laughed, shoving me back into the water and hurrying up the bank. Laughter escaped my lips as I got to my feet.
I paused as the familiar tingling sensation crept over my shoulders. I whipped my head around, scanning the rocky banks across the river, looking for the silver flash of pixies.
I waited a moment, eyes scanning the thick green and brown brush across the river, searching the dark shadows that separated them. They snagged on a set of glowing, golden orbs.
They disappeared a second later and then reappeared a few feet away. Eyes. They blinked again, and another set blinked open. I craned my neck to see better as more blinked open. I counted six sets, that tingling sensation growing stronger.
“Let’s go, Lyv!” Isla called from the top of the embankment.
Like a snuffed candle, the eyes disappeared in an instant, along with that curious tingling. We were back on the main road a moment later when Drystan found us.
“Why are you soaked?” he asked, amusement dancing in his eyes as he took in my sopping form. He donned billowy, blue pants to match his striking eyes.
I threw a look at Isla, who snickered, wrapping her arm around Drystan’s shoulder and tugging him into the crowd.
I suppressed a laugh as Tiberius stalked to a cart of fruits of vegetables, waiting in line for the carrots at the bottom. The vendor eyed him warily, looking between the massive, winged horse and the rest of his patrons. They merely shrugged, and he continued helping those in line ahead of Tiberius.
A thunderous boom echoed ahead, followed by the vibrant cheers of the elves around me and the joyous laughter of children. A boisterous beat of drums and a chorus of voices followed. I whipped my head around and stared in awe as plumes of fine, brightly colored powder exploded into the air, raining down on the elves below.Nebulis.
I side-eyed Isla, who stared at my soaked black clothes, smirking as her plan unfolded. We hurried forward into the ensuing chaos of another boom. Golden powder exploded overhead, and I leaped through the shimmering power, arms wide, coating me from head to toe. The gold shimmered overhead and clung to my garments, brightening my attire and blocking out the black entirely.
Tiberius stalked through the next explosion of powder, emerging on the other side covered in bright pink. Vulcan choked before turning away.
What’s wrong with him?he asked, turning his head toward Vulcan.
You look great,I said with a wink.
He snorted in reply, ruffling his feathers and spraying me with pink.
We continued our meandering through the forest, stopping alongside various entertainers and vendors, until finally we arrived at the Eye of the Wood. Tents of various colors surrounded the cliff-lined lake and the tens of thousands of elves that gathered along its edges.
Queen Antares stood atop a large dais in front of a newly sung throne of vines and bright flowers. She scanned the throng of elves with a benevolent look plastered on her face. Isla caught my eye and smirked. We both knew if the queen wanted me found, it wouldn’t be hard. Not with her soldiers or the countless spies in the crowd. But I was no longer a beacon in black.
I spied Tiberius out of the corner of my eye as two elven children eyed him curiously. He lifted his big head toward them, wings tucked in tight. The elder of the two elven children stopped only a few feet away before dipping into a deep bow.
Good gods.
I rolled my eyes as the second quickly followed suit. Tiberius held himself higher and flared his wings in acknowledgment.
