I sighed.Yeah, you’re right. I thought the same thing, too, initially. I don’t know why I’m overthinking it.
Maybe because you’ve had a really shite week, and this is just one more bizarre thing you’re dealing with,she replied dryly.
I laughed.That could definitely be it.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Kole give me a perplexed look, and I realized I’d just laughed out loud.
Smothering my amusement, I wiped my expression clean and changed subjects with Ree.How are Siam and Bennif?
She shrugged.They’re good. Nothing exciting or as death-defying as what you’ve been experiencing, thankfully.She filled me in on her husband and child, and when I asked if she’d brought that meal to my aunt and uncle, I felt her nod.
And how are they?I held my breath as I waited for her answer. Even though I’d already spoken with my aunt, I wanted another perspective. Ree didn’t see my uncle every day. She might have a completely different viewpoint on how he was doing.
Similar to how they’ve been before. Your uncle hasn’t taken a turn for the worse, so please don’t worry about that, because I know that’s what you’re worrying about. But it’s heartbreaking to see him. Gwen was appreciative of the meal, but I don’t know if they’ll eat it. She seems too stressed to eat.
My heart cracked.Eating has been hard for both of us, even though Verin is constantly trying to feed us.
I know, Prim. I’m so sorry.
I toyed with the hem of my shirt again.What else is new?
She told me more of the daily going-ons in Whiteolf and what she’d read just that morning in theWhiteolf Tribuneabout the Stone.Nobody’s found it yet, obviously, since magic hasn’t clapped the realm, and they’re predicting that over half the fae who had originally left to hunt the Stone have already returned home.They also reported that arrests are up on the continent by thirty-eight percent.She laughed lightly.I think everyone knew that was coming. But how’s your hunt going? Is the seekerill still working?
I palmed the device, safely stowed in my pocket.It seems to be.
Do you truly think the Stone will be that easy to find, given the book you borrowed from the Isle of Song and your uncle’s invention?
I thought of what lay ahead, of where the seekerill was currently leading me. Silventine Wood.Something tells me it won’t be.I told her where I was likely going, where all evidence was pointing, and the second I mentioned Silventine Wood, her breath sucked in.
Oh Gods, Prim. You can’t be serious. You’re truly going to venture into Silventine Wood if that’s where the seekerill leads you?
If I want to find it, I’m not sure if I have a choice.
But that Wood is deadly.
I winced.I know.
Is Kole going with you?
I subtly glanced at the warrior. The entire time I’d been speaking with Ree, Kole had sat silently.
I don’t know. I suppose it depends on what his superiors order of him.
I’ll pray to all of the gods and goddesses that he accompanies you if you have to gothere.
A shiver ran through me, because she was right. Venturing into Silventine Wood alone could end in disaster.Thank you.
Ree and I spoke for a few more minutes, then said our goodbyes.
You’ll contact me again soon, right?she asked.And you promise to tell me if you do go into that Wood, so I can send help if needed?
Not that help would get there in time, but I didn’t remind her of that.I’ll try.
Love you, Prim. Gods and Goddesses, please stay safe. Okay?
I’ll do my best. You can count on that, and love you too.We whispered another goodbye, and once again, I was alone in my head.
Evening had arrived,the day growing darker faster than it would have south of us. It reminded me of what I was facing, if I did have to venture to Silventine Wood. It probably saw nighttime even earlier than this.
