As I neared the light, the view changed. Gone were the rocky alcoves of a cave replaced with a green grove. There was no cave ceiling. The mountain stretched around me on all sides. I was insome type of isolated area. The mountains created a circular dome open to the sky.
Kane was right. I’d need a set of wings to get out of here. The steep mountains surrounding the open grove made climbing a death wish.
A babbling brook weaved in and out of the large rowan trees, their roundish crowns plump with vibrant red berries. Green flowing grass as soft as a meadow rolled with the wind, causing the wild geranium and lilac to move with it.
I kneeled by the brook, dipping my hands into the water, and splashed the cool liquid across my face. Afterward, I soaked my aching feet.
The water kissed my skin, removing the tension I’d gotten so accustomed to. For a brief moment, the familiarity of nature and the soft comfort of magic eased the tension in my body.
Lying down on my back, I gazed up at the morning sun, running my fingers across the grass and making the blades elongate. Just feeling the magic in my bones was invigorating. It didn’t even matter that I was naked… though… reaching out, I pulled the grass from the ground and weaved it around me, creating bands around my chest and bottom. Not a perfect design, but at least I was covered, and without breaking any traditions.
A patch of bluebells lay only a few feet from me, their violet glow a welcome sight. Reaching out, I moved them, humming, breathing in the sharp floral notes surrounding me.
Then suddenly a fog rolled into the grove. It came from the borders, rumbling down like a river.
Dark, teeming with an unnatural presence, and every hair on my body stood on end.
This must be it.
Shifting to my feet, I eyed the mist as it curled around the rowan trees, almost whispering as it moved. The beauty of thegrove faded into the ghostly visage, taking the sunlight with it until I stood within a gray haze.
A chilly breeze swept through the air, swirling the mist in front of me.
Then my mother stepped out of it, her skin ashen, eyes sunken, as if she had starved to death.
“You left… and then the plague came.”
“No. That isn’t true.” I dashed forward. “I would’ve…”
Realization dawned.
What if a plague did happen, and everyone in my village is dead? Crispin and I were isolated from the world. We wouldn’t have known.
My legs shook.…Grandfather.
Being isolated meant I had no news from my home. No idea if there had been any retaliation for my escape. Did anyone know my grandfather was involved?
My mother walked back to the mist. It swirled around in front of me, causing me to stumble back. I landed on my butt and looked up just as my grandfather appeared before me. Blood bloomed over his heart.
“No!” I screamed, the cry ripping away my strength. “Please, this isn’t real! I know you’re still alive!”
Silver hair threaded into his dark strands, and more wrinkles cornered his eyes. His shoulders sank as he frowned. He didn’t speak; instead, he turned and walked back toward the mist.
“Stop, wait!” Scrambling to my feet, I chased after him.
My hand passed through his back just as he disappeared.
I stared at my shaking fist. “This isn’t real. It’s not.”
It is,the mist whispered back.You have failed everyone.
Tears blurring my vision, I shook my head, refusing to believe that everyone I cared about was dead.
“You let him kill me.”
Crispin stood in front of me, blood splattering his clothesand chin. The front of his shirt had been ripped open, revealing the angry sewn wound.
“No. I tried to save you!” Stepping forward, I reached out to him, needing to know if he was real.
