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And so we plunged on into the silent forest. The sirens’ calls vanished, but I wasn’t resting easy. There were darker things ahead, between us and the heartstone, set to protect. And no matter what we told them, they’d fight us because we could be anybody trying to get to the gem that kept the realm of Summer alive.
We pushed through the forest of rock and root, skirting the boulders settled at the base of some of the “trunks.” The albino ivy vines tendriled down to coil in our hair and try to hold us back. I brushed them away and they moved like snakes, slithering, rearing back, and I could swear I heard them hiss. But they did not strike, nor did they have thorns or fangs.
They are the eyes and ears of this cavern forest.
Are they sentient?
As sentient as any plant might be in the realm of Summer. Yes, they know we pass, but their thoughts are dark and shadowed, difficult to discern. They do not shout, nor raise a vocal alarm, but they can whisper among one another and let the rest know that invaders are on the way.
And are they doing that?
Yes, they are. I can hear them, though I can scarce give form to their thoughts and words.
I told the others about what Ulean had said, but there was nothing to do. As we passed each vine, Grieve gave it a surreptitious look but did not attack. The less we appeared to be intruders, the less trouble we should have. Theoretically.
I began to feel eyes on me from every direction. On us. It was as if the whole freaky forest had suddenly sprung to life, but there was no telling just where that life was hiding. Or whether it even was hiding. Perhaps we were seeing the very creatures we were trying to hide from—within the roots of the trees and the giant hanging rocksicles.
We came to a fork in the road. Exhausted, I dropped to the ground.
“We have to rest.” I looked up at them. “Is there any chance we can get a little sleep?”
“That might be a good idea. Here, in the realm of Fae, time moves far differently. It’s impossible to tell how much time on the outside has passed, but probably far less than in here. Grieve and I are strong here. We can watch over the three of you while you sleep.” Chatter motioned to the side of the path. “You’ll have to curl up on the ground, but at least it’s not cold.”
Wearily, Kaylin, Rhiannon, and I settled ourselves on the softest patch of earth we could find. Grieve and Chatter took watch. As we drifted off to sleep, I wondered if I’d dream of this place.
As my eyes fluttered open, I wondered where I was, and then remembered. We were in the realm of Summer, looking for Lainule’s heartstone. As I slowly sat up and yawned, achy from sleeping on the ground, my head felt clearer and I didn’t feel nearly so out of it.
“Did you sleep well, my love?” Grieve was right where he’d been when I went to sleep, looking no worse for the wear. Chatter was sitting near Rhia, staring off into the distance. As I stood, he woke both my cousin and Kaylin.
“Yes, I think I’m good. How long were we out?”
“Who knows? Time passes differently here. You slept for a while, though.” Grieve kissed me gently, and—as Rhiannon and I headed behind some nearby boulders to take care of personal business, he and Chatter began to discuss the path ahead.
When we returned, I realized I felt much better. Rhiannon and Kaylin both looked refreshed, too.
“Which way do we go?” I asked.
“Right, I think.” Grieve motioned to the path and we turned and followed him, circling through rock and root, the scent of deep earth and mold thick in my nose. I had no clue where we were going, but instinct told me this was the way. The farther we traveled, the thicker the air became till it was oppressive and heavy on the lungs. The magic was steadily growing. I almost expected to see giant mushrooms and monster crabs like out of some old movie, but neither appeared.
Grieve looked at me and reached out his hand. I took it as we approached a narrowing of the path. The roots here were huge, so big I could only imagine the trees they belonged to. They truly were the rib bones of the world, running through the earth.
As we came to an opening into what looked like a cave within the cavern, where only one person could walk at a time, Grieve pulled me close and wrapped his arm around my waist. He leaned down and gave me a long kiss, then stepped in front of me, shielding me as he stepped into the opening.
“Wait till I call you.” He glanced back once, then was gone.
As I stood there, a million thoughts ran through my head. I could barely breathe, waiting to hear his voice.
A scream cut through the air. A woman’s scream. I plunged into the opening, followed by the others, and out into a lush inner sanctum. Under a golden green glow that emanated from the walls rippled a small pool, and on the pool, silver water lilies floated. Sparkling lights filled the air, clouding me with a strange perfume. I reeled and went down on my knees as the heady scent overwhelmed me. Rhia and Kaylin were down for the count, too. But Chatter stood tall, his gaze darting around the chamber.
I followed his lead. There, over by the edge of the pond, lay a lithe, nude woman. She looked ethereal, lovely, and yet feral, but she also looked very dead. Her throat had been ripped open, and blood poured down her neck. To her left, stood Grieve, looking distant and aloof. Blood coated his lips.
My stomach twisted. What the fuck had happened? Chatter dragged me to my feet, and slogging through the magical force field, I leaned on his shoulder as he half-carried, half-led me over to Grieve’s side.
Grieve looked up as we approached, grimacing as he wiped his mouth and stared at the blood smearing his fingers. Letting out a little snarl, he threw himself down at the water’s edge and began splashing water on his face.
“Grieve…” Chatter’s voice was hesitant. Grieve looked like he was in some form of shock.
My love stared at the water. “Her song was so compelling. I couldn’t resist her. And when I drew close, she began to change.”
