Page 42 of When Ashes Fall

“It’s a silkfang,” I said. “They weave silk and are said to bring good luck.”

Zephyr leaned forward a little as he examined the creature. “Look at those fangs.”

“They’re all for show. They’re not poisonous and don’t bite, but that’s how they got part of their name.”

“I’ve never seen one before.”

“They usually prefer cool, shady places, but they come into Nightshade a lot. They really like the tunnels in No Man’s Land; the first time I explored there, I discovered hundreds of them, as well as many more over the years.”

“Ugh,” Zephyr said.

“I’ve heard there are tunnels of them in Luminaire too. It was probably drawn here by the lack of sunlight in Wildwood, but also by the new growth. It sensed a revival in the land; it’s a good sign it’s here.”

“I beg to differ,” Zephyr muttered. “Is there a lack of sun in Nightshade and Luminaire?”

“No, but the casters lure them in by setting up food for them. They harvest their silk for clothing. Some of the other eternals probably do it too. Don’t worry, they’re ugly, but they’re harmless.”

Zephyr’s nose wrinkled. “It would be more harmless if I squished it.”

“Don’t kill it. They’re very helpful.”

“No spider is helpful.”

I wasn’t going to argue with him; not everyone liked arachnids.

“And why call it a silkfang if it’s good?” Zephyr eyed the spider like he was about to throw a shoe at it… or set the whole place on fire.

“The name suits it perfectly.”

“It was a stupid choice,” he muttered.

“Aren’t sprites supposed to be creatures of nature? Shouldn’t you love spiders?”

Zephyr shuddered. “No one should love spiders.”

I chuckled and decided to change the subject. “The potion will be ready in a few hours if you want to come back for it.”

“I’ll be here.”

He zipped toward the door before pausing in the doorway. “You know, I don’t think he’d rip your head off either, but I don’t want to see you locked away again. Maybe try not to argue with him so much, okay?”

The concern in his voice touched me, but it was impossible not to argue with Knox. “And maybe the seas will stop flowing.”

Zephyr sighed. “He’s the worst part of the dick, but I’m beginning to question if your brains are in your genitals too.” And with that, he flew away.

I gawked after him as I planted my hands on my hips. “What does that mean?”

“He thinks you’re thinking with your vagina,” Gizzi said.

I shot my friend an irritated look. “I am not. I don’t want anything to do with Knox in that way.”

“Neither of us believes that. I don’t think you believe it either.”

He was right, but I wasn’t going to admit it. “You’re both assholes.”

Gizzi climbed up my clothes to perch on my shoulder. He nuzzled my cheek before settling in. “But you still love us.”

“I do. I really do.”