It’s so beautiful, floating between the trees. I’m mesmerized, unable to take my eyes off of it. Before I even realize what I’m doing, I rise from my seat. Auren’s cloak slides from my shoulders, falling to the ground, as I walk toward the light.
It drifts back and forth, then hovers as if waiting. Despite my attempts to look away, I cannot, and my feet move without thinking as I follow it into the woods. The forest parts for me, branches brushing my sleeves as though guiding me to the dancing green light up ahead.
I watch in wonder as it spins slowly, swaying through the mist and leading me deeper into the woods.
Worry prickles the back of my mind. I should turn around… call out to Auren, but I can’t seem to form the words. It’s as if something is compelling me, forcing me to move silently toward it. I struggle to tear my gaze from the wisp, but then it glows even brighter, and all my concerns fall away.
Up ahead, there’s a clearing, with a small cottage in the center. Golden light spills from its windows, warm and inviting. The delicious scent of freshly baked bread fills the air, along with a hint of something sweet and tangy. Something familiar that I cannot quite place.
As I approach, the cottage door opens. Standing on the threshold, I gaze inside. A wooden table sits near a crackling hearth, and my breath catches as I realize this is the kitchen of our summer home.
Father built it for my mother. We used to come here every year when she was still alive.
A figure appears in the doorway. An old woman with short, silver hair and a friendly smile. “Oh, my dear, you must beexhausted. Come inside and warm yourself by the fire. I’ve just finished baking.”
She holds up a plate with a lemon cake. Tears sting my eyes as the scent hits my nose. It smells just like my mother’s recipe. My chest tightens as memories flood my mind of a kitchen warmed by laughter, and lovely summer days full of love and joy.
Without thinking, I step forward. As soon as I cross the threshold, the warmth vanishes. The air turns damp, foul with the scent of mold and decay. The fire on the hearth flickers with green flames as the walls sag inward, the blackened beams crawling with shadows.
“This way, my dear,” the old woman smiles. “Just a few more steps.”
Worry snakes down my spine. I want to run from this place and never look back, but my feet keep walking forward, drawn by some inexplicable force.
“I—I really should leave,” I struggle to keep my voice even. “My husband is waiting for me.”
“It’s alright, dear.” The old woman’s smile stretches and grows. Horror fills me as her jaw unhinges impossibly wide, splitting her face open to reveal two rows of thin, needle-like teeth. “I’m sure he’ll be fine.”
Panic constricts my chest as her eyes turn black and her fingers lengthen into dagger-sharp talons. She isn’t an old woman, she’s a terrifying monster.
The cottage groans as the floor shifts beneath my feet. I try to step back, but my legs won’t obey. I scream, but no sound comes out, and tears slip down my cheeks as cold realization seeps into my bones—I cannot break free.
“Oh, my dear,” she cackles, amused by my terror, “even if you call out, he won’t get here in time. He probably doesn’t even realize you’re gone.”
She’s wrong. Auren cares for me, and I’m sure he knows I’m missing by now. He’ll be here any second.
Anger rises in my chest as her mouth curves into a sinister smile. Gritting my teeth, I fight against the dark spell binding my voice and call out his name. “Auren!”
CHAPTER 28
AUREN
It’s colder this evening than it was last night. It wouldn’t normally concern me, but Vivienne is human. Her kind do not tolerate cold temperatures as well as mine do. I line the tent floor with thick furs and add an extra blanket to our bedding to ensure it’s comfortable enough for her liking.
A wistful sigh escapes my lips. These past few nights, she has practically melted into me as we sleep. She’s soft and warm, and I love the feel of her in my arms… as if she were always meant to be mine.
As I fluff her pillow, I decide to tease her. “I hope this meets Her Majesty’s high expectations,” I pretend to speak to myself, knowing she’ll hear.
I bite back a grin, already anticipating our usual back-and-forth. She’ll roll her eyes, cross her arms, and toss back something biting that will only make me want to kiss her senseless.
I wait a moment for her reply, but there’s only silence. A prickle of unease moves through me, and I turn, expecting to seeher standing nearby, waiting to ambush me with some sort of playfully condescending remark about barbarism and such, but she isn’t there.
"Vivienne?"
I walk out of the tent, scanning the fire and the forest around our camp. Panic constricts my chest. She wouldn’t have wandered off. Not in the dark, not in this gods-forsaken forest. She fears it, loathes it… she wouldn't have left the fire.
"Vaelen!" I call out, already charging into the trees.
My nostrils flare as I track her scent. It’s everywhere and nowhere, tangled with something rotten… something wrong. Magic thrums through my body as I grip the hilt of my sword. Blue flames curve along the edge of the blade as I follow her trail deeper into the woods.
