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The forest is dangerous.

There might be Wolven nearby.

What if I die out here?

My arms started to shake, and a broken sob burst from my lips. I ran my hands along the length of my cloak until I found a loose thread. I wound it around my finger, then unraveled it. Over and over, I twisted the thread until my thoughts settled.

I closed my eyes and counted to ten while I drew in a long, deep inhale. Then, I did the same with my exhale.

Gradually, my pulse slowed, and I stopped shaking.

You have your magic, I reminded myself. You can do this, Cece.

Gran had taught me many useful tips for surviving in the woods. I was able to find some red berries to munch on, and I built a fire using lemonberry leaves, which prevented it from emitting too much smoke. When the kindling burned out and the fire died, I wrapped myself up in my cloak and huddled in a bundle by the hot coals to keep warm.

It took me ages to fall asleep. My eyes would close, but then a faint rustling would startle me. I envisioned a Wolven or a bear sneaking up on me while I slept, only to devour me in one gulp.

I shifted, trying to find a comfortable position on the lumpy ground. I nestled closer to the coals, grateful for the warmth. The heat from them soothed me and at long last, I fell asleep.

A harsh ringing sound awakened me. A black abyss surrounded me. Everything felt so far away, as if my mind were distanced from my body.

Kill them. Kill them all.

The thought pierced through the haze of my consciousness, startling me into awareness.

The first thing I felt was the cold, hard ground. A shiver rippled over my body, followed by a pounding throb in my temple, as if it had its own heartbeat.

Slowly, I sat up, and the pulse in my head intensified, making me groan. How hard had those fae thieves hit me? It certainly hadn’t hurt this badly earlier.

I blinked blearily at the sun streaming in through the trees. How long had I been asleep?

Dazed, I fumbled around, struggling to get my bearings. I was still surrounded by unfamiliar trees. The path that led to my cottage was likely miles away. But I had to find my way back somehow.

Kill them. Kill them all.

Was the wind speaking to me? Was there death on the wind? I had to get back home quickly.

I hastily kicked dirt and leaves over my small fire pit, just in case. I didn’t want any Wolven or those thieves to discover where I was. When I tried to stand, my head spun, making me feel nauseous.

“Shit,” I hissed, staggering backward to avoid falling over. My temples ached, and I had to lean against a thick tree to keep from fainting. What the hell was wrong with me? Had something been wrong with the berries I’d eaten? Or had the fae brutes done something to me?

I gritted my teeth as a fresh wave of rage rolled through me. I wanted to curse those fae into oblivion. They’d destroyed weeks’ worth of elixirs, and it was their fault I was lost in these wretched woods. How was I supposed to barter for food now?

My pulse roared in my ears, bones and muscles aching in pain. I definitely needed one of Gran’s healing potions right about now. The pounding in my skull grew sharper, making me hiss in pain.

A few more steps, I urged myself. Come on, Cerise. You can do this.

I only made it five minutes before I had to stop, leaning against another tree with wheezing breaths. Storms, I felt so weak. Even those few steps had winded me.

It didn’t help that my heart was racing so fiercely I thought it would leap out of my chest. What the hell was wrong with me?

I glanced up at the sky, and my heart sank.

Oh, no.

It was late morning. It was now well past the time I usually drank my tonic.

Was that why I felt so… off?