And something about his expression made the forest feel suddenly colder.
“That he’s not the only one who remembers the night everything changed.”
Twobble blinked, and Skonk stopped breathing.
And I realized with a growing, uneasy certainty…
This man knew far more about Stonewick—and about me—than he should.
The problem was…
I still had no idea who he was.
I took a slow breath and folded my arms.
“Alright,” I said, keeping my voice steady. “Let’s try this another way.”
The man didn’t move. He watched me with the same calm focus he’d had since we stepped into the clearing, like he’d been expecting every word before it left my mouth.
“I’m going to walk back to Stonewick,” I continued. “And I’m going to forget this entire strange woodland encounter happened unless you give me a very good reason not to.”
Twobble nodded emphatically beside me. “Excellent plan. I support this plan.”
Skonk lifted the broom slightly behind me. “Still locked and loaded.”
“Stonewick doesn’t turn strangers away,” I said. “You could have walked into town like anyone else. Had tea. Announced yourself. Caused a scandal like a normal person.”
Twobble pointed at him.
“Exactly! We have a very welcoming system for suspicious individuals.”
The man’s mouth curved faintly. “I’m aware.”
“Then why this?” I gestured around the trees. “The mysterious forest meeting? The dramatic voice from the shadows?”
He didn’t answer.
That quiet patience of his started to wear thin on my nerves.
“Right,” I said. “That’s it.”
His eyes narrowed on me.
I turned and motioned to the goblins. “Let’s go.”
Twobble and Skonk immediately pivoted with me, both clearly relieved that retreat had finally entered the conversation.
We’d taken exactly three steps when Twobble stopped so suddenly, Skonk walked straight into him.
The goblin’s eyes widened.
He stared back at the man in the clearing.
Then he snapped his fingers.
“Oh!” He pointed. “I know who he is.”
Skonk blinked. “You do?”
