“It’s beautiful,” I agree.
The further we travel the more the forest seems to breathe magic. Nymeria and Anika bound ahead silently, and within seconds they have completely disappeared. My pulse kicks up, and I tighten my grip on the reins as I search for them.
“Don't worry. They will stick close. They are the ghosts, remember,” Maxon’s voice reassures me.
I nod, relaxing my grip and trying to find calm in this beautiful scenery.
It amazes me how much the forest changes the longer we ride.
“The forest around the Evergreen is different from the others in Faerie. The druids’ magic lives and breathes in this forest,” Maxon explains, as if reading my thoughts. Dropping my gaze from the treetops, I peer over at him and smile. I try to reach out to see what he is feeling, but all I feel is contentment, and I’m not sure if it’s mine or his.
Tristan and Kian are in the lead, followed by Maxon and me in the middle, with Raiden and Zaria trailing behind. Occasionally, I catch sight of Anika and Nymeria through the thick trees and foliage, fleeting glimpses of white. Nova and Storm stay close together while Maxon remains vigilant, scanning our surroundings with a watchful gaze. A sense of nervous energy permeates the air, making me feel unsettled. It’s clear he is on high alert. They all are. But the silence that has encircled us weighs heavy, like a stone in my stomach, compelling me to break it and dispel the lingering tension.
Not sure how loud to speak, I reach out and poke Maxon’s arm to draw his attention and whisper softly, “What are you looking for?”
“Nothing in particular.”
Tristan twists around, catching my eye. “Well, I’m watching for bellowigs.”
My eyes widen at his tone, and I'm almost too afraid to ask. “What’s a bellowig?”
Maxon’s violet eyes land on me, and he smirks before looking ahead. “They are rather large rodents. I think the best description that you would understand is flying squirrel.”
The squirrels back home are cute creatures of grace and enchantment with large, expressive eyes, and velvety fur.
“Why would you be worried about running into them?”
Kian looks back at me and grins mischievously. “You’re thinking of the cute human realm version, aren’t you?”
“Well, yeah, what other version could there be?”
“The version that will claw you to pieces for a fresh meal,” Zaria replies dryly.
I turn in my saddle and stare at her. “Say what now?”
“You heard her,” Raiden grunts.
“What kind of squirrel is that?” I demand, looking back at Maxon, feeling slightly more panicked than before.
Maxon shrugs, as if not bothered. “The fae kind.”
We all fall into silence again, and I do my best to push the images of the bellowig from my mind. Instead, I focus on my surroundings.
The air fills with the sweet symphony of unseen creatures. The delicate hum of fairy wings, the gentle rustle of leaves, the soft clopping of the horses, and the melodious songs of enchanted birds.
The forest grows denser the further in we go. The horses slow, Kian now taking the lead as we travel along the trail in a single line. My skin prickles with awareness when the temperature drops, and I look around in confusion. With every step we take, the forest grows quieter, as if holding its breath. Unease trickles down my spine, and I know the others can feel it, too.
Up ahead, Kian’s horse rears, shaking its head and nearly throwing him off. He holds onto the reins, calming the horse with whispered words and rubbing its neck.
Storm snorts out loudly, startling me, and I feel Nova’s muscles tense under me.
“Maxon,” I whisper.
“I know,” he answers, quickly dismounting from Storm.
A shiver runs down my spine, and I squeeze the reins tighter in my hands, doing my best to center myself.
Maxon turns in a slow circle, drawing his sword from his back. Raiden gets off his horse and blocks Zaria's path when she moves to follow. “Stay up there.”
