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“How can someone disappear in the middle of these bloody woods?” Riordan asks. “We should search again.”

Laisren rubs the back of his neck incessantly. “There’s no need to search for a ghost,” Laisren snarls. His voice is still in the lower register of his beast; however, he seems to be wrestling within himself.

This is apparently the after effect of calling forth the beast that lurks within. Emyr told me weeks ago how it affects him, and it’s why he doesn’t summon the beast often—fearing that Laisren will be lost.

Emyr and Laisren searched for the intrusive watcher for over a half hour before returning without success.

Meanwhile, I’ve been waiting for Darach to awaken.

However, with the same lack of accomplishment.

My interaction with the Minotaur leaves me with so many questions, as well as quite a bit of confusion.

Everything within this wood is defiled by the curse, but he changed somehow.

When my starlight touched him, the haze that was drowning the creature lifted, as if my starlight removed it from him, similar to drawing out the poison.

There’s something strange occurring within these woods…

something the lurker doesn’t want me to know.

But why?

Is the intruder somehow in league with Tiernan?

Or could it have been Siorai himself, punishing this creature for daring to speak to what I’ve yet to understand in its entirety?

The more I recall the pernicious intruder, the more I find their encounter enigmatic.

Why reveal themselves, only to disappear moments later?

Perhaps it’s the woods causing my mind to run rampant with fearful imaginings, but I could’ve sworn that the figure’s eyes were glowing.

It could’ve been a deception, allowing the eyes to appear another shade than the liquid amber of most Galrosans.

Perhaps I’m going mad after all, because they almost looked like?—

Darach coughs, his limbs flailing wildly.

I capture one of the large creature’s hands. “Shhhh,” I whisper. “All is well, Darach.”

I speak to him until his limbs finally fall still. He opens his somber eyes unhurriedly. I smile kindly, hoping he remembers who I am after his ordeal.

“Wha-What happened?” he chokes out.

“You were shot by poison arrows,” I reply.

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 should know the 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.

Sometimes, her voice murmurs.

Brilliant, I grumble.

“Where do you go when you’re far away in that mind of yours?” Laisren asks. His prodding eyes make me feel like a small pixie under his scrutiny.

“I’m sorry to have worried all of you,” I say lightheartedly. “I’m fine… just processing everything.”

Laisren quirks an eyebrow. “Your expressions were quite intense,” he reasons. “Like you were having a conversation with someone.”

How in all Celestae did he come to that conclusion?

I laugh nervously, hoping the others in the group join me, but they don’t. Instead, they wait patiently for me to reply.

“That,” my voice pitches higher than normal, so I clear my throat. “That’s preposterous. Who could I possibly be speaking to?”

They don’t look appeased by my answer.

Bloody Celestae.

What do I do now? I ask Saoirse.

Laisren eyes bear into mine as his jaw ticks. “I don’t know,” Laisren snarls. “I’m not the one with a voice in my head.”

Saoirse growls, but I don’t break eye contact with the Laisren.

Deny it for now. The time is near when I’ll be revealed, but not yet, she replies.

“Rosey?” Emyr inquires.

“No,” I say tersely. “As I’ve already said, I was pondering today’s events, and nothing more.”

Laisren growls. “I’m sure,” he answers. “That was quite a strange interaction with that Minotaur, don’t you think?”

Riordan steps in between us. “Perhaps we sh?—”

“Meaning what, Second Commander?” I retort. “Speak your mind.”

“Who are you really?” Laisren blurts out. “Why are they willing to pledge their allegiance to you ? ”

My mouth opens and closes, uncertain of what to say. In truth, I don’t know the motivation as to why they pledged such loyalty to me. I’m about to say as much when Laisren scoffs. “I’ll admit there’s something enigmatic about you that draws everyone to you, but that isn’t the whole story, is it?”

Riordan slowly maneuvers Laisren away. “Back off of it, mate,” Riordan placates. “You’re coming off the high of the beast. You’re testy. Now isn’t the time for quarrels.”

“Are you on her side now?” Laisren growls, his voice changing once more.

Emyr steps in front of me, the temperature around us cooling significantly. “Time to take a walk, Laisy,” he orders.

Laisren scowls, shaking his head. “Not until she answers me,” he sneers. “I need to know who in bloody Celestae she is and why I’m risking my life for her . Emyr, aren’t you the least bit curious?”

“No, because I trust her,” Emyr deadpans. “As you should, Second Commander.”

“You’re a fool, then,” he seethes.

I step around my protectors until I’m face to face with Laisren. In the several months I’ve been in his company, I’ve never seen the Galrosan so unkempt and malicious. “You desire a response, Laisy?” I inquire.

“Yes,” he growls.

“Fine,” I retort. “I’m Maeva Cale, and I’m chosen by Siorai to awaken the Na Fíréin, as you’re already aware .

Beyond that, I don’t recall my life before Aurelius…

as you know. I’m not here to join a cause or a war.

I’m here to fulfill my purpose, same as you .

However, don’t you think for one moment I’d betray any of you.

If you don’t wish to trust me… fine. I’ll do everything in my power to reassure you, but I won’t grovel for your fealty. ”

Turning away, I stomp over to Danté. Laisren is under a lot of stress right now… because of me. However, I refuse to allow him—even in this state—to belittle me for a life I didn’t want. “No time to waste, Cadre,” I shout. “Let’s get out of this bloody clearing. ”

Riordan laughs, making some off-handed remarks as he walks with Laisren over to their horses. While the Second Commander is leery of me, I’m sure with time the after-effects of the beast will wear off, and he’ll forget all about the strange voice in my head… hopefully.

A few moments later, Emyr hoists me upon Danté’s saddle. Once I’m secure, he climbs on behind me. Leaning down, his mouth grazes against the shell of my ear as his arm wraps around me. “Don’t let the thoughts win,” he whispers.

I swallow thickly as my eyes burn. “I won’t,” I murmur. “I’m sorry for causing Laisren to unravel.”

“Don’t be,” he replies. “He’s testy for a while after using his ability. He’ll come around, Rosey.”

I nod, leaning into Emyr.

“Hypothetically, if you were speaking to a voice in your head, it wouldn’t change how I feel about you, Rosey,” he continues. “You’ve been special to me since the first moment I saw you.”

I sigh, grateful he can’t see the current state of my glassy eyes. “Thank you,” I whisper.

Beneath the hardened exterior, his kindness continues to surprise me. Then, he directs Danté and the others toward the path. When I’m further shrouded in the mist, I allow tears to fall freely.

My reaction isn’t because his words moved me to tears—though they were thoughtful—but due to my own deceptions. I keep secrets from him and the others even after they’ve been so forthcoming with me. Saoirse says that it is best if they are kept in the dark, but I’m not so sure.

Perhaps Laisren is right to be wary of me. There’s so much I don’t know, and what if the truth is worse than I expect? Maybe I should’ve told him after all.

The secrecy is to protect you. Once the truth is revealed to the entire realm, there’s no turning back, Saoirse says. You may not be looking for war, but it’s coming whether you wish for it or not.