Page 145 of Where Darkness Falls

Slowly, the heady confusion vanishes from his face as one of his large hands grabs his throat, patting it rapidly. “Not to worry, Darach,” I say, pulling his hand away. “The poison has been purged and your wounds healed.”

“So, I’m not in Eternity then?” he asks, skeptical.

I shake my head. “No, you’re still very much in the Malvorian woods, my friend,” I reply.

Darach sits up slowly, his eyes never leaving mine, as he points to his neck. “How?” he asks. “How did you do it?”

I allow my starlight to pool in my hands like small glimmering orbs. “I’ve learned that if a wound isn’t yet fatal, my starlight can heal it,” I reply. “The poison was spreading rapidly through your body, but somehow I knew it hadn’t reached your heart just yet. So, because of that, my starlight was able to heal you.”

Darach bows his head. “I see,” Darach says. “I shall remember what you did here, Beatha. My clan will know of your kindness, and if the need ever arises, we’ll come to your aid.”

My cheeks redden. “I don’t think that will be necessary, but I appreciate the offer,” I stammer. “Also, I suppose since we’re on a first name basis, I should tell you that my name is Maeva, not Beatha.”

“Beatha means life, Milady,” he chuckles.

I furrow my brows. “Life?” I ask.

“Yes,” he grins. “You’ve restored me not once, but twice. I’m forever indebted to you.” Darach reaches up to one of his long ears, removing a golden hoop that’s no larger than my pendant. Opening my hand, Darach places the jewelry within my grasp, folding my fingers closed once more. “When the time comes for my aid—if you choose to accept it—show this at the entrance of my clan’s campgrounds, and one of my brethren will escort you to me directly.”

“Thank you,” I mutter. “However, I’m not sure what I need with such aid. It isn’t as if I’m leading any army.”

Darach shifts his gaze around the group, then leans in. “All the answers that you seek are within you, Milady,” he whispers. Standing up to his full height, he points southwest. “If you need us, you can find us in that direction. We’ll be waiting for you.” He turns to leave, but hesitates, glancing over his shoulder. “A word of caution, Beatha, “ he warns. “Don’t wander near the river.”

“What’s wrong with the?—”

He is gone before I finish my sentence, galloping away into the darkness.

Rather ominous,I grumble.

Best to heed the advice, my dear. Siorai only knows what lurks within them now,Saoirse replies warily.

Perhaps she’s right, but I can’t shake that I shouldknowthe details which Darach wasn’t able to speak of. My thoughts brutally assault my mind in torrid waves that crash into the shores, beckoning me to wander further. It’s through the ceaseless waves that I sense something reaching out to me along the horizon like an old, forgotten friend.The answers you seek are within you.His words echo. I want to wade out in the waters to find it. I desire to discover the mysteries that surround my life. However, the idea of gallivanting toward the uncharted waters in my mind feels reckless—dangerous.

What if I wander too far, and I drown in the wake of what lies there?

What if my findings are finally the trigger that forces me to succumb to those hopeless, sad parts of myself?

You don’t have to face that horizon right now, Maeva,Saoirse replies.One day, you’ll have to confront what’s out there, but when that day comes, I won’t let you crumble.

How?I ask.

Because I’ll continue to remind you every day who you are in your weakness until you find your strength once more,Saoirse promises.

Her words warm my heart entirely. I truly don’t deserve such a compassionate voice… or friend.Promise that you’ll never leave me,I whisper.

Never,she swears.I’m with you until Eternity.

Then her presence hides once more in the recess of my mind. I take a few steadying breaths, forcing myself back into the present. However, I’m startled when I realize that every member of the Cadre is looking at me, concerned.

My hands fidget in front of me. “What?” I ask.

“You’ve been staring at the ground for fifteen minutes, Rosey,” Emyr answers.

“Thought for a second we’d have to unfreeze you,” Riordan jests.

“Indeed,” Laisren agrees. “We tried to speak to you, but you wouldn’t respond.”

Does that happen every time I communicate with you?I ask Saoirse.