Page 136 of Unravel Me

The words simply slip out. I've never told anyone what exactly I can do.

Maybe this is finally the moment?

"I can heal plants, Renato. Maybe… maybe I could help him. If you're all… connected to the forest like this, it can work on you."

Renato gives me a sad smile. His face made of wood folds slightly.

"Silvio isn't a plant," he says softly.

My eyes rest on Silvio’s calm face, and I notice he’s staring at something I have on my chest. The pendant.

What is unusual, however, is that the pendant is… whole now! The two parts are joined together.

How’s that possible? Did Mauro put them together when I lost consciousness?

"But that doesn't mean I can't become one," Silvio’s voice is barely more than a whisper. "The pendant… it’s ancient and powerful, the legend says it can—"

Renato takes one step closer and looks Silvio in the eyes.

"Are you sure? It’s only a legend."

"What’s even better… I can make one move and solve two problems!" Silvio lets out a small, weak breath.

I really don’t know what he’s talking about but on some weird impulse, I take the pendant off and put it onto Silvio’s chest.

"Take my hand, child," he whispers. "It’s you who are crucial. You're the catalyst here."

Completely lost in what's happening, but ready to do whatever he asks of me, I lean closer, terrified of missing even a single word.

He's lying on the grass, and the ground beneath him is soaked red…

Suddenly, I feel a subtle shiver, like something slid down through my hand toward Silvio.

And then… the crimson of his blood is fading.

Turning…

Green?

Silvio's face is impossibly peaceful.

"Child, your gift is wonderful. It was hidden inside you, but it's awakening…"

"If you know how to use it, do it!"

Silvio smiles weakly, adding, "Thank you. And I think we can even do something extra with it."

"Extra? I don't understand."

"I've lived a long life," he whispers. "For many years I was the Guardian of the Forest, and later I passed that duty on to Renato. Even so, my bond with the forest has never faded. I owe it everything, because it protected me and gave me strength for so many years. With your help I can give it one final gift."

He pauses for a slow breath.

"…the gift of healing."

"I don't understand how I could—" I whisper helplessly.

"Trust me. Hold my hands and open yourself to the power of your kind, the forest elves, the Virdelfi. It lives in your blood too."