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The Harlsteds ran from group to group, telling the other prisoners the good news, others joining them. Around them, children ran from bush to berry bush, collecting handfuls of those poppin berries I loved.

More of Rien's handy-work?

I watched from a distance as adults reacted to the news. Most listened intently, faces filling with hope and relief. Some even looked in my direction, giving me a smile or a nod.

But when the Harlsteds pointed in my direction, most refused to meet my eyes.

I didn't blame them. They probably didn't trust it. Even I struggled to believe Frexin's promise.

Of course, Darlene took the news as expected, rolling her eyes and shaking her head before stomping away, covered in scratches and bandages from head to toe.

I probably shouldn't have, but I took a moment to imagine a horde of gremlyns attacking her. The truth was probably something far less satisfying … but one could wish.

"Kaiya! Thank the gods!" A breathless Liam charged up to me and bent to catch his breath. "I've been looking for you everywhere!"

I rolled my eyes. Always so dramatic. "I told you I was going to find volunteers with Tye."

He waved a hand. "It's Rien! You need to go to him as soon as possible!"

My stomach twisted as I thought of the little green man.

"What's happened?"

"I think he's dying. And not the vine-version. The real him …"

My heart twisted, and I stepped forward. "Where is he?"

"No time to explain," Liam said, grabbing my arm, pulling me along. "Come on!"

"Fuck!" I cursed, mind spinning. What had happened in the past day?! I'd stopped in my rooms and had been surprised he wasn't there, but I'd never imagined —

Liam led the way through his tunnel out of the prison camp, moving quickly and in silence.

Fortunately, between the repairs and the ambush prep, the fort was in chaos. So, we made it without issue to the same vents we'd used before.

Liam looked around, then removed the metal grating blocking the vent and gestured for me to go in first.

"Have you been sneaking back in there while I was gone?" I asked. He seemed far too comfortable with all of this. "You promised you wouldn't! You're putting yourself and others at —"

"I had to," he interrupted. "Serali started acting strange, and she led me to him." He swallowed. "We're lucky I listened to her."

My stomach dropped. "Fine, but we're going to talk about how reckless you are later."

"Whatever makes you happy, my lady."

Groaning, I turned and dropped into the tunnel, feet first, before moving to get out of the way.

The tunnel wasn't big enough to walk in, but we could crawl easily enough.

Liam dropped in next to me, then pulled the cover back in place.

"Follow me," he said, pulling out a small lyphos lamp.

We crawled for what felt like forever before he finally held up a hand for me to stop. "There are no guards down here," he whispered. "But last time I was here, Frexin was just leaving."

I shuddered to think what she'd wanted with the Forest God. It couldn't be good.

Serali flew up to the grate and chirped at us, those blue eyes swirling wildly.