“No,” Gaia admitted, lifting her skirts as she stepped over a smashed log. “But I know where my daughters are. We’ll head in that direction.”
Trivia exchanged a look with Sol. A muscle feathered in his jaw, but his eyes were soft as he gazed down at her. Wordlessly, he took her hand, his fingers lacing with hers. His warm palm strengthened her resolve.
She nodded at Gaia. “Lead the way, Mother.”
With every step they took in the Voiceless Jungle, Trivia’s heart weighed heavier and heavier. The stench of death only grew more potent, and the startling silence around her seemed to weep with grief. When she had first traveled through these woods, the lack of sound had seemed rooted in magic, as if the air were so potent with energy that nothing could penetrate it. Not the snapping of a twig or the chirping of a bird.
But this… this was so very different.
Now, the jungle was silent in acknowledgment of the lives lost. It was a silence of mourning. An aching song of lamentation and despair.
The very trees seemed to pulse with agony. They cried out in rage and sorrow against the crimes that had been committed here.
Tears spilled down Trivia’s face, and she didn’t bother to try to stifle them. The witches who had lived here deserved to be remembered. To be wept over.
Sol’s hand was still in hers, and she clung to his strength, reminding herself that he was still here. So was Gaia.
The war was not over. They could still end this before more innocent lives were lost.
Though they did not have the benefit of the fire witches’ magic to guide their way, Gaia had no trouble seeing in the dark. The earth shifted beneath their feet, parting for the earth goddess. The forest itself seemed to bow in her presence, obeying her whim and laying a path before her.
Even with the earth witches gone, the woods still recognized their magic.
May you find rest in the next life,Trivia thought.May your souls cross over with ease. May you reunite with your ancestors.
She had never been one to pray. It felt silly, with a goddess walking beside her. But she had to. In her bones, she needed to send something to the other realms, even if it was only her pleading thoughts. Anything to help those lost souls find peace.
“What will happen to them?” Trivia asked, her voice hoarse from the long silence. They had finally emerged from the jungle, and although the magic-wielders were gone, it still felt appropriate to honor the stillness of the woods. “The Underworld is still…” She trailed off. She had been about to sayin shambles, but all she could think of was how it was her fault.
Gods above, was ither faultthat the souls of those witches wouldn’t have any rivers to cross? Had Trivia single-handedly ensured an afterlife full of torment for them?
She inhaled a shuddering gasp, suddenly finding it difficult to get oxygen into her lungs. She crouched to the ground, dizziness clouding her mind.
Gaia took her hand, jolting her from her panic. Her blue eyes were full of intensity and fire.
“The souls are fine,” she assured Trivia. “I know it. Isenseit. While the rivers of the Underworld have been recovering, souls have been gathering between worlds. There is a place for them, even if it’s temporary. Do not fret, my darling.”
Trivia nodded, closing her eyes. She was so tired. So very tired. The heavy emotions of the day weighed down on her, dragging her into darkness.
Gaia stood, then removed her cloak and handed it toTrivia. “Use this for warmth. The wood here is sacred. I’m going to search for firewood that is separate from the jungle.”
Trivia stood, a protest already on her lips.
Gaia raised a hand to stop her. “I’m fine. The earth recognizes me. I’ll be able to find wood faster than either of you. Besides, you need rest.” She glanced at Sol.
Trivia followed her gaze and found the sun god sitting with his arms propped on his knees. His head was bowed, and Trivia wondered if he, too, was praying.
“I won’t be long,” Gaia said before striding away. Within seconds, the darkness swallowed her whole.
Trivia shuddered, the air suddenly icy in her absence. She sank to the ground next to Sol, wrapping Gaia’s cloak tightly around herself.
She and Sol sat in silence for what felt like hours. Trivia eventually rested her head on his shoulder, her eyes closing. She was certainly tired enough for sleep, but her heart was so heavy that she couldn’t find rest.
After a long while, Sol’s soft voice made her open her eyes.
“There is… so much more I could have done.”
Trivia lifted her head to look at him. He was staring in the distance, but it was clear his attention was elsewhere. There was a firm set to his mouth and jaw that indicated his frustration.
