Page 114 of Nocturn

We moved off the dirt road and into the compact woods. Lucinda moved with sure strides through the foliage, smacking things out of her way. Meanwhile, I walked behind her, hyperaware of my surroundings.

“What about the Hollows?”

As if making a point, a screech rang through the dark.

“There are no Hollows. Mother would have told me to take care. She explained every little step of this journey.”

Oddly comforting.

I shared a look with Piper as she scampered under the brush near my legs, then we kept following Lucinda.

Walking and walking.

“You should rest,” I said to Piper, who was slowing. She rose on her hind legs, nose twitching.

‘I can tell you are in pain.’

“Piper,” I admonished.

‘Fine. Fine.’ She clasped the bottom of my robe and used it to crawl up. I hooked my hand under her bottom and cradled her. When I looked up, Lucinda was many paces ahead.

I rushed to catch up before she disappeared through the compact trees. She slowed as I neared.

“This is where I leave you,” she announced, pushing some leaves from our view. “He awaits you there where the fire plumes.”

My gaze bounced over the other small shacks enveloped in moonlight. It took me a moment to find the one with smoke.

“Is this Kinsley Village?”

She grunted an affirmative, but I didn’t need the response. I had spent plenty of time in the small market they hosted here . . . Bjorn Estate was nearby.

“Wait, you said ‘leave me’. Why are you not coming with me?”

She shrugged. “I fulfilled my promise to mother. This is where we part. Knock thrice upon the door in quick succession. Do not dawdle.”

With that, she melted into the woods as if she were a part of it, her wraithling already gone from sight.

‘Eerie.’

I made a sound of agreement as I swept a glance around and exited the foliage, keeping to the shadows cast by the homes. Soon I was at the door. Salt surrounded the home in a thick barrier. I knocked as Lucinda directed.

With my next breath, it was whipped open, and I had a flash of Liadan before he yanked me inside, shutting the door before latching the metal hook in place.

A small fire in the chimney cast golden light across the small dining area. A single door was closed, and there was a young woman standing near the wooden table.

“Bloody Saints, what happened to you?” Liadan spat, scanning my face which likely held a host of bruises.

I shifted my weight, allowing my aching leg a break. With the thought of my hip and leg came a flash of Cassiel’s enraged face. A boulder settled on my chest, but I could not allow myself to fixate on how hurt I was. Following his gaze, I found scratches and discoloration running up my arms. A fine layer of dirt coated Branwen’s cloak.

“Many things,” I muttered.

“Come in, come in,” the young woman said, bringing a teacup to the surface table.

“This is Deborah, Renata’s sister.” Liadan looked over my shoulder. “Where is she? She was to bring you.”

My face paled, nausea swelling. Here I stood before her sibling, and the truth would wreck her. Flashes of the Hollow feasting on Renata’s innards flooded my memory and attempted to drag me under.

I scanned the faces before me, but there was no appropriate way to begin.