Page 155 of Where Darkness Falls

Someone, something, anything—help me,I pray.

“I-I’m not sure what you mean,” I reply.

“Yer blood sings the truth ter ol’ Fearghal,” he says. “Unfortunately, oi must still eat yer cause ye called me such vile names. Oi think Fearghal shall finally ‘ave a full belly.”

“Someone help!” I yell.

The gawking creature merely laughs as he twirls his blade. “Nighty-night, girly,” Fearghal drawls.

He lifts his knife when a loud growl echoes around us. The strange male-creature drops the weapon, backing away slowly. From behind me a looming shadow towers above, casting us in further darkness. The unseen creature growls once more, and relief courses through me as I recognize the sound. Fearghal is doubling back, stuttering all the way. “It’s a… It’s a—” he mumbles. Suddenly a razor sharp claw slices through the thick ropes that have bound me. As I fall to the woodland floor, its massive, skeleton-like hand catches me, setting me gently on my feet.

“You might want to run,” I say coolly. “I believe he isn’t too fond of your violence against an innocent.” My protector growls in agreement. A smirk crawls along my face as Fearghal looks from me to the creature in shock and fear. Then, he’s running and screaming at the top of his lungs.

“Thank you,” I say to the towering Eitcham. “Enjoy your meal.”

The Eitcham hesitates no longer, leaping over my body.

Fearghal desired to trade me, then to harm me. Now the only sound these woods will hear are his screams.

I’m goingto kill Virgil slowly and painfully.

“Maeva!” I yell as Danté gallops quickly through the woods.

Virgil took watch shortly after I laid Maeva down in her spot beside me. I assumed he’d be up to the task. However, he fell asleep while something (or someone) snuck into the cave and stole Maeva in the twilight hours. I want to kick myself for sleeping so soundly that I never heard the intruder. The exhaustion of this journey has blinded me from thinking rationally.

When I woke up and didn’t see Maeva, everything in me ceased to function. The only thing left behind was a small piece of a cloth hat, reminding me of the Pookas—the elves’ less popular, slightly more obnoxious and carnivorous cousins. The only clue as to the direction they went was a muddy trail of something—or someone—being dragged. The thought of one of those insolent pests hauling her through thewoods makes my blood simmer. The Pooka villages aren’t far from here, and they love nothing more than mischief and terrorizing travelers for sport.

Even if they haven’t harmed her, I’ll make sure their heads are no longer attached to their bodies once I find them. Then I’ll kill Virgil slowly for his incompetence.

Or I could send him back to the Nightmare Palace,my more rational side reasons.

He hasn’t been acting like himself as of late—constantly sneaking around or running errands that he claims are for the kingdom. However, in the last few months, he’s changed—become paranoid even. Maybe all the stress is weighing on him. Either way, he failed to protect her, and for that, he’ll be punished greatly.

“Maeva!” I holler.

The other Cadre echo the same, calling for our lost jewel. The lighter color of the mist signals that morning is quickly approaching. The woods are passing by in a blur as I continue following the trail that’s becoming harder to see. Every moment that I don’t hear her voice or see her is another minute that trepidation overwhelms me.

“Everyone stop!” Laisren yells.

We all halt, looking to my second commander, who’s searching frantically in every direction. “Did any of you hear that scream?” he asks. All of us are silent for one moment… then two…

Suddenly, a blood-curdling scream pierces the sky, followed by an unmistakable roar of the Eitcham. My heart lurches, praying to Siorai that it isn’t Maeva. The scream sounds close.

“It could be a trick,” Virgil reasons.

“If she’s hurt,” I growl, “I’ll feed you to the Eitcham myself.” Kicking my heel into Danté’s side, I follow the horrific sound. “Maeva!” I yell frantically, pushing Danté to go faster. My shadows curl around my hands as I follow the direction of the scream. By the volume, I know we must be getting closer.

Hold on, Rosey. Please.

Then I see her, covered in dirt and mud, slumped against the base of a tree. She’s so still, and I can’t tell if she’s breathing from here. Surely, she hears the thundering of the horses’ hooves, yet she isn’t moving.

Why isn’t she moving?

“Rosey!” I scream with all the force of my lungs.

She jumps up, startled, and I sigh in relief when she runs toward us. “Emyr!” she calls out.

Before Danté can fully halt, I jump from his back just in time to gather her into my waiting arms. I shudder as I burrow my face in her hair, inhaling the scent of her.