Page 5

“ N ova?” Recognition and confusion glimmered in Arden’s eyes. “Burning hands,” he cursed, and stepped back.

I hadn’t seen Arden since we were students in Mr. Dunler’s classroom—before I was withdrawn following my mother’s death. We were never close friends, but shared the common camaraderie of classmates of that age, familiar with one another’s general character.

Naturally, his features had matured, the softness of youth giving way to sharp lines.

He’d grown taller and his shoulders spread wider.

While he still wore his golden blonde hair long enough to sweep behind his ears, a rigid brow and prominent chin gave his face a harshness that wasn’t there before.

It was only then I realized he didn’t wear the uniform of a palace guard, but a solid black tunic with a blue patch in the shape of a flame on its right shoulder.

“You work for the Keeper?” I asked, surprised. I grasped the side of the carriage and climbed down.

At a young age, it seemed likely that Arden would go on to hold some noble position, the son of a royal guard with the pride and confidence of his father. But to be in service of the Ashlora—that was something I never imagined.

“Yes, well, it’s a long story,” he replied. “And I’m guessing yours is too, seeing that you are … the Blood Offering.” His sharp brow lowered.

“You’re right. It’s a long story,” I agreed, straightening my dress. For a moment we stood in awkward silence, the shock of the situation sinking in.

“Everything good?” the guard called, hoisting himself back onto the carriage.

Arden nodded, then directed me to step aside. He waved at the driver, signaling he was prepared for their departure.

Wordlessly, I watched as the dark chariot turned around and retreated across the open field.

“As you mentioned, I am the Keeper’s assistant, which means it is my duty to escort you to the Obsidian Fortress.

” Arden’s tone shifted, holding an edge of authority.

“It’s a full day’s journey through the Shadow Wilds, so we need to head to the river where we’ll camp overnight.

We’ll set out first thing in the morning. ”

He motioned for me to follow, moving down the path he’d approached from—traveling toward the dense trees at the buffer’s edge.

Frozen in place, my stomach flipped. “Wait. We are going to walk through the Shadow Wilds?”

Looking over his shoulder, Arden noticed I was not following and turned back.

“Horses spook too easily, becoming more of a danger. So yes, we walk.” Then he added, “Don’t worry, I have provisions to keep us safe.

I’ve made this journey many times. Just follow my instructions and you’ll be fine.

” He set off toward the tree line once more.

An old rhyme from childhood started playing in my head.

Be wary of shadows,

Stay far from the trees.

Slips lurk in the darkness,

No one is who they seem.

Slips. Slips. The shadows are coming.

Your mind is your weakness,

Your body they’ll control.

Blue fire may scare them,

But they’re out for your soul.

My muscles clenched at the idea of entering the vengeful wilderness. The worst part was, I knew I had no choice. I wasn’t in control of my fate. Turmoil churned within as I hurried to catch up.

My voice was little more than a whisper. “Is it true what they say? … The Slips lurking in the forest can possess you and manipulate your mind?”

Arden’s profile was a distinct shadow against the fading sunlight, marked by his strong features.

“Yes, some of it’s true.” He turned, eyes connecting with my gaze. “But Nova, it will be fine. I have an elixir that prevents them from getting too close. And we’ll also have Ashloran torches.”

Arden’s assurance was all I had, so I nodded and reached for the beads of my bracelet, spinning them with my thumb. The action made me realize I wasn’t wearing my usual prisoner’s bindings. An impulse to run, to get far away from that looming canopy, became overpowering.

But the blood bond. It will kill me, I remembered . I’d witnessed it before. …

I was twelve, returning home from an errand, stopped in my tracks.

A man was fleeing down the street, scanning over his shoulder, gaze wide with terror.

In an instant, he crumpled and fell to his knees, letting out a stomach-turning screech.

Blood seeped from his eyes and ears. After one last gasp for air, he lay dead in the lane.

A passing neighbor explained, “That’s what happens to those who break a blood bond.”

It was a sight I’d never forget. And, unless the king and queen had a sudden change of heart about sending me as the Offering, there was no way out.

I was heading into the Shadow Wilds.

No one ventured into the forest unless they had a very good reason to, and I certainly never had a reason … until now.

The Shadow Wilds were the territory of Slips—wraiths of Shadorites slaughtered centuries ago.

Every whisper and myth I’d heard about the spirits moved to the forefront of my mind …

ruthless … manipulators … poisoners of the soul .

It was said a Slip could lure you into the shadows and take control of your mind.

Once possessed, they would use your body to hunt for unsuspecting bystanders, harm or kill them, and then direct its wickedness back on you, bringing about your end.

I never believed half of the tales were true, but I wondered which ones were.

“Let’s get moving. I need to collect firewood before it gets dark,” Arden said, picking up his pace. Already, the determined personality I knew him for resurfaced.

Arden cut the trail across the field, and I strained to keep up. We walked in silence, the tall grasses brushing around our legs as we rushed by.

Under different circumstances, I might have cared about the natural beauty of the amber sky, or how the setting sun cast a glow on the surrounding fields. Instead, I felt detached, as if I wasn’t really there.

The sun tucked behind the horizon as we passed into the tree line.

“Camp is just ahead. See where those satchels are?” Arden pointed. “Each has a bedroll and supplies. You can get settled while I gather the kindling.”

Approaching the area, the camp looked well established.

Stones encircled a large fire pit while the surrounding area was cleared of brush and debris.

A few tree stumps had been pulled near the ring, providing a seat off the ground.

It was a slight relief that the campsite was situated at the edge of the woods instead of closer to the infested forest. The canopy above was open enough to allow patches of the dusky sky to show through.

A breeze stirred up the ash, bringing forward scents of smoke and earth.

I grabbed a satchel and unpacked my bedroll.

Arden returned, unloading an armful of sticks and small branches.

“This is the last place I thought I would be spending the night,” I said, rifling through my supplies. I found an extra overcoat, along with dried meat and fruit. “You’re sure we are safe this close to the Wilds?” I was desperate for a little reassurance.

“Yes, the ward is effective up to the river. Like I said, I’ve done this many times before.”

That may have been true, but I still looked around to make sure the river was nowhere in sight.

While Arden arranged the kindling, anxious thoughts fought for my attention. I couldn’t bring myself to start up a simple conversation.

Arden seemed content to devote his attention to getting the fire going. A chill crept into the air, and our surroundings grew dark just as the first flames rose.

Once the fire took, plumes of smoke swirled toward me, stinging my eyes. Left with no choice, I relocated to Arden’s side of the pit—and closer to the woods.

We picked at the supplied rations. Sounds of the crackling fire filled the air.

“Some things to know after we cross the river,” Arden said.

“Always stay in the torchlight. We’ll be walking during the day so it will be light enough to see, but the flame keeps you safe.

Also, we’ll need to be quiet and not draw any extra attention.

” He paused, as if debating saying more.

“Deeper into the forest, and the closer we get to the fire tree, the stranger our surroundings will become. So just stay close and keep a good pace.”

“The fire tree ?” I asked. “As in a tree that swallows you whole … like in the fables?” Certainly, I misheard him.

“It’s not exactly like that.” He smiled.

“Fire trees are more like passageways to take you from one location to another. The Ashlora use them all the time. But there is only one that comes close to the human territories, and since you have to go through the Shadow Wilds to get there, it’s not common knowledge. ”

I nodded. That didn’t seem so bad.

“Oh, and don’t eat anything except for what’s supplied in your pack. Eating berries and foraged plants is a bad idea as they can be tainted. It won’t harm you in the same way as being infected by a Slip, but it won’t be pleasant.” The way he said it suggested he had experience.

“Arden, how did you end up here?”

He hesitated. Flame light flickered across his face.

“I was traded. I was working for the Royal Guard. We were sent to the Obsidian Fortress with a unit to set terms on a trade with the Keeper.” He looked down at his hands.

“I’m not sure what I did that caught her eye, but when we returned with a scroll of terms, my captain informed me the Keeper had requested my services as part of the deal. ”

Looking up and over at me, he continued, “He told me it was the Crown’s wish that I cooperate. My father died earlier that year and he assured me my mother and sisters would be well provided for … I went as they requested.”

A moment of silence passed as I processed his story. “So … there wasn’t any way to reject the position?”

“It was the Crown’s wish. I obeyed the order.” Frustration laced his tone as he looked away. “Besides, I still get to visit my family often.”

Sensing his reluctance to continue on the subject, I shifted the topic. “The Keeper … is a woman?”

He nodded. “Her name is Jesmine. From what I understand, she became the Keeper a little over a decade ago, taking over when the last one went missing.”

There was a pause as I worked up the courage to ask my next question.

“Is she going to kill me?” I muttered. The carriage ride had provided ample time for me to concoct numerous dark outcomes. I needed to know what lay ahead.

Looking into the flames, Arden replied, “I … I don’t know.”

“Are you lying? Would you tell me if you knew?”

He sighed. “Jesmine is … unpredictable. It’s never clear what she will do. I don’t know what it means to be the Offering, since there hasn’t been one in years.” He faced me. “Just remember, she is an Ashlora. So, while she might look like a human, she is dangerous.”

Jesmine. The Keeper was a woman. This was a bit of a surprise—although I wasn’t sure why it mattered. Regardless, an unpredictable and dangerous Ashlora woman held my fate in her hands.

“What are the Ashlora truly like?” I asked. Childhood folktales were only so reliable.

Arden chewed his bottom lip, seemingly transfixed by the flames, then shrugged.

“It is true they can drain human life through touch.” He stared down as he outstretched his palms. “They just lay their hands on a living being and burn their energy. It’s like how a fire burns everything around it, using material as fuel, strengthening it; But Ashlora can use living beings instead. ”

I swallowed. “I didn’t think it was so literal—the whole fire spirit thing.” My mind whirled. “They really burn human life?” It sounded like a question, but I was trying to grapple with the reality of the information.

“Well, not all Ashlora burn the life of the living. In truth, they don’t have to, but I think it gives them the most energy and longevity.”

As if on cue, a large spark popped from a log, displaying the ferocity of fire. The surrounding foliage, now dark silhouettes, danced in the background.

The flickering flames riled my unease.

I felt Arden’s gaze on me. “Stars Nova, why would you sign a blood bond to be the Offering? … And how did you end up a prisoner?”