“She knows as much as we do at this point. The reason for going to the ruins is to see if it helps to bring up any memories.”
“Memories of what?” Tristan counters.
Zaria pipes up, “Guys we need to get going.”
I notice movement in the trees, and my eyes are drawn to a fleeting flicker of blue. Could it be?
The blue fox emerges from the trees, its vibrant fur contrasting against the green foliage. Faintly, I hear the voices of the others as they discuss the dilemma of navigating the bog or finding an alternative route. With a tilt of its head, the frostflare's unwavering gaze focuses on me. Its eyes begin to glow, casting an eerie light as it moves its head, as if inviting me to follow.
“Guys. I think it wants us to follow,” I note, interrupting their bickering.
They all turn their gaze in the direction I'm pointing, and are struck silent.
“A frostflare hasn’t been seen in centuries,” whispers Zaria.
“Just like the damn deadlings,” mutters Tristan.
I can't take my eyes off the stunning blue fox, mesmerized by the graceful swish of its tail. The strange white marking on its body emit a radiant glow, while its silver eyes shimmer with an otherworldly light.
‘Follow.’
I startle at the whisper-like voice that softly echoes in my mind.
“I think it wants us to follow it,” I stammer.
“How would you know?” Kian’s tone is curious as he comes to stand next to me.
“It spoke to me,” I whisper, as if in a trance.
The fox captures the attention of Nymeria and Anika, prompting them to pounce toward it, their barks echoing through the area as though they were inviting the fox to play. However, their enthusiasm quickly fades, and they turn their attention to us, waiting impatiently.
“Looks like we are following the mythical creature, then.” With a warm chuckle, Kian squeezes my shoulder before gracefully mounting his horse.
Storm nudges my back, and I turn to see Maxon holding Nova’s reins. A nervous flutter fills my stomach as we stare at each other.
“Everly, this is yours,” Tristan startles me, holding out my dagger. With a weak smile, I reach for it, my hands slightly trembling.
"Thank you for keeping me safe, Tristan." My words are filled with genuine gratitude.
The weight of Tristan's stare hangs heavily in the air, creating an uncomfortable and suffocating silence. Without uttering a word, he nods and swiftly makes his way to his horse.
“He will be fine, don't worry,” Maxon assures me. “Now let’s get you on this horse.”
“We’re here,” Maxon announces as the forest gives way to a set of open gates overgrown with roses and vines.
The horses' hooves echo around us as they step onto the stone road, entering a large courtyard teeming with greenery.
We draw to a stop at the base of the staircase leading up to the entrance. I swing my leg off Nova and land on the ground, but it’s further away than I thought. I stumble backward, tensing as I prepare to land on my butt, but Maxon’s there to stop my fall.
“Careful, Stóirín.” Maxon’s voice is deep and smooth like chocolate.
My heart warms at the name he has chosen to call me.
The others dismount and lead the horses over to the fountain for a drink. My gaze wanders over the area, taking it all in. The entire area is overgrown and falling apart, with the roses gradually engulfing most of the fountain. Amidst it all, one could barely make out the figure of a woman in the center, her hands lifted up, cradling a flower in offering to the gods.
Maxon moves around me, leading Storm and Nova toward the fountain. I turn my attention to the castle, my pulse kicking up. If the others are right, if I am who they think I am, then this is my home. The frostflare materializes again in front of the door to the castle, but only for a second before disappearing in a swirl of mist.
I’m so out of my element here. I still think it's completely plausible that I’ve hit my head and fallen into a dreamland. With cautious steps, I advance toward the damaged and forgotten castle, its ancient walls entangled in a lush tapestry of ferns and creeping vines. The towering trees loom above, casting dappled rays of sunlight on the grounds. A sense of anticipation hangs in the air, and I know the others are watching me, waiting for a flood of memories to consume my mind.
