Skonk clapped his hands once, grinning like a cat in cream. “Sounds deliciously reckless. I approve.”
Bella gave me a long, considering look, then nodded. “If we move quickly, Malore’s shadows won’t have a chance to finish what they started.”
I tugged my cloak tighter, drawing in a shaky breath. “Then let’s go.”
The Academy’s back doors creaked as we pushed through, spilling us into the back of the property. Lavender brushed against my sandals, and rosemary jiggled faintly in pots, and beyond it all, the trees of the Wilds rose like sentinels, waiting.
We moved swiftly along the gravel path, and my heart hammered louder with every step closer to the tree line.
I didn’t know what I was expecting. I didn’t know how to get Gideon healthy enough to see the light, but I had faith, and that was what had to work for now.
A figure appeared to my left. Stella had a steaming cup of tea balanced perfectly in her hand as she strolled along the garden path as though gloom hadn’t settled over Stonewick at all. Her scarlet red lips revealed her glistening fangs as she sucked the sweetness from a clover and tossed it toward the mule.
When she spotted us, she arched one perfectly drawn brow. “Well, well. This looks suspicious.” She sipped her tea delicately, eyes sweeping over Bella, Twobble, Skonk, and finally landing on me. “Where are we going, darlings?”
Twobble opened his mouth, but I elbowed him hard enough to make him squeak.
I forced a smile, though my pulse thundered. “Just… out for a walk.”
Stella’s lips curved into a smirk. “Into the Wilds? With goblins in tow? My, my. Either you’re planning a picnic or repairing a disaster, and I’d wager on the latter.”
Bella shifted beside me, her tail flicking once before disappearing again. “Maeve…”
I swallowed hard, meeting Stella’s sharp, knowing eyes. She was too clever, too old, too impossibly observant to be fooled.
And we could use her help.
If I lied, she’d know. And if I told the truth all at once, that we were marching into the Wilds to move Gideon, she’d never let me take another step.
“Stella,” I said carefully, “please trust me. I can’t explain yet. But if we don’t do what we’re about to do, if we don’t act now, Stonewick’s at risk.”
Her eyes narrowed, the steam from her teacup curling around her face like smoke. “And Keegan?”
My throat closed.
But before I could answer, Twobble blurted, “He’s fine!”
Skonk snorted. “He looks like a wilted turnip. Don’t lie, Twiblet.”
Bella groaned, pressing her palm to her forehead.
“He's in grave danger of succumbing to the shadows.”
Stella’s gaze flicked between us, her eyes too sharp, too knowing. She sipped her tea again, calm as a queen, then set the cup neatly on the garden wall.
“I’ve been around for centuries, and I can tell real worry when I see it.”
“How can I help? I’m coming with you.”
My heart skipped.
Because with Stella, it was never a suggestion, and I was worried she’d feel inclined to report this to Nova or Ardetia, since they often revealed themselves to be sensible.
Twobble looked like he’d swallowed a shoe sideways, and coughed into his sleeve. Skonk grinned like he’d just won a bet no one else had agreed to. Bella decided now was the perfect time to shift, and her tail flicked as her golden eyes narrowed in wary amusement.
“Stella—” I started.
“Don’t waste your breath, darling. If you’re off to do something reckless, you’ll do it whether I approve or not. The least you can do is let me enjoy the show.”
