I waited because Liza hiccupped and looked at the river as if there was more to say.
“Do you want to ask me something else?” Liza eventually wondered. “You seem like you’re trying not to talk. Are you wondering if I can talk to spirits on command? Or are you wondering if I can communicate with those evil smoke creatures that appeared last night?”
“Both? Either?” I said. “But you don’t owe me any explanations, either. I don’t want to involve you in something so adult when you’re so young. However, if you do want to talk about it, I’m here to listen.”
“I…” Liza shook her head, dug at a bit of rock with her bare, dirty toe. “I don’t talk about my gift much. Most people don’t understand it. They either think I’m weird, or they’re scared of me.”
“Trust me, I get it.”
“I know you do,” Liza whispered. “We’re kind of alike in that way.”
“I’m going to be honest about something, Liza,” I said. “I’m worried that your gift could make you a target. There’s a lot happening right now that involves the spirit world. I’m worried your ability to commune with the spirits could put you at risk.”
“I can take care of myself,” Liza said. “But also, since I haven’t told many people about my gift, there are very few that know about it.”
“I think it would be a good idea to keep your gift quiet for now,” I said. “Not out of shame, but to protect you. I’d hate for someone to try and use your gift as a weapon.”
“If I keep it a secret, maybe you could use it as a weapon against them,” Liza suggested hopefully. “I want to help, too, Alessia.”
I squeezed this innocent, magnificent girl to my chest for a long moment. “You are generous and brave. I will let you know, but for now, I’d prefer you keep your distance from anything involving the spirits. Just in case.”
“I can do that.”
“Do you have someplace to stay for the next while?” I asked. “You’re welcome at the castle or Wisteria Cottage. The cottage is small, but I’d be happy to have you.”
“No, I’d rather stay with my people,” Liza said. “I love living in The Forest. It’s part of who I am. We all take care of one another, so I’ll be safe there.”
I knew Liza was right about where she belonged. I could see it in the sun-kissed bronze of her skin, the calluses on her feet, the sinewy muscles that carried her through the treetops like a primate. She belonged to the shrouded cloak of The Forest, and I wouldn’t be the one to pull her away.
“Do you have any experience with the blood moon?” I asked. “Or how it might affect your connection with the spirits?”
“No, I don’t know anything about that. I know my mom, or her spirit, always felt closer on a full moon.” Liza gave a nostalgic smile. “I’d make it a point to sit outside on those nights because I knew she was with me. So it’s possible there’s something to the cycles of the moon and the spirit realm, but I don’t really know the details.” She paused, looked up at me. “Do you think that’s when the next attack will happen?”
“I don’t know. We’re still putting the pieces together after last night, and honestly, we’re just getting started.” It was my turn to hesitate as I looked at her. “Do you ever wonder what it would be like to enter a spirit realm as a human?”
“That’s a dangerous question.” Liza frowned. “I don’t think it’s a very welcoming place for people with beating hearts.”
“That seems to be the general consensus, from what I’ve heard.”
“Why would youwantto go to the spirit realm?”
“It’s not that I want to; I’m just wondering if it’s even possible.”
“Nothing’s impossible with magic.” Liza looked away, not quite meeting my eyes.
“You believe it’s possible,” I said. “What makes you say that?”
“It doesn’t matter. Even if I thought it was possible, I still think it’s a death sentence.”
“I know the Forest Dwellers are big on stories and legends. Do any of these stories you’ve heard passed down mention mortals crossing over to the underworld?”
“Yeah, of course. I’m sure you’ve heard the stories too, even where you’re from.”
Indeed, I was familiar with Persephone and Hades, but in the way I was familiar with Santa Claus. It was a whole new thing to think of their situation as a reality instead of a fairy tale told to children at night to explain the change in seasons.
“If you learn anything,” I said softly, “or if you find a way to cross to the underworld, will you tell me?”
“I’m not sure that’s wise,” Liza said. “I wouldn’t want you to get hurt.”
