Page 59 of Of Night and Blood: Special Edition

I shook my head, trying to unhear the words, the story. I could not allow myself to believe the lies, to fall for the tricks. Because if I did, then I would understand his cause, I would agree with him. I would be a traitor.

But, had I not once wondered how it would be possible for me to find love with the way we were restricted? Did I not once think it ridiculous that they would limit us that way, all for the desire to have more power?

More than that, had I not always been aware of the hard choices that I would have to make as Queen one day because of watching Mia and Xavier do that very thing? A part of me knew that there had to be some truth to the story, because the fae in this realm and the perfect split of isles made no sense otherwise.

I felt seven sets of eyes on me and shuddered at the intensity thickening the air. I wanted nothing more than to forget this, to have asked a different question earlier. It seemed that I might be relieved of the expectation of responding as the vibrant green grass below our feet turned a darker shade, nearly black. The Forest of Tragedies sat in front of our group now, an ominous presence that requested our full attention.

Just when I thought myself free of the conversation, Bellamy added, “Remember when I told you that we often speak of the dark-haired beauty that will save our realm? I was not lying, Asher. I do believe you will save us all.”

My head snapped towards him, taken aback by his proclamation. I wanted to ask him what he meant. To inquire about his intentions for me. I could not though, because we were now at the edge of the forest, and danger awaited.

“Remind me, Ash, what is it that the fae say when they stare death in the face?” Noe asked, a hint of trepidation in her voice.

“May I return to Eternity,” I answered.

Chapter Thirty-Three

Every hair on my body stood on end as Frost took that first step into the Forest of Tragedies. The uneven terrain, overrun by twisting roots and invasive plants, made staying on top of the horse all the more difficult. My muscles would be screaming by the end of this, no doubt. I rubbed the side of the silver mare, speaking into her mind gently.

You are okay, girl.

Then, I grabbed onto the minds of the other seven horses, reassuring them as well. The ease with which I used my powers was still astonishing. I had never felt so unrestrained.

I fought back the urge to dwell on Bellamy’s so-called history lesson. Surely Mia and Xavier would not keep such an important piece of truth from me. They respected me enough to be honest, even if they were not proud of their past. At least, I thought they did.

We sat in silence as we rode forward, the quiet a tangible, sinister thing. With every curve of the path, I felt the tension grow within each of Bellamy’s Trusted. Within the demon prince himself, who was usually so good at blocking me. I worked to maintain a connection to all eight horses and the seven riders, feeding strength into them, manipulating their thoughts of fear to those of confidence.

Trees swayed in a viciously cold wind, looking for all the world a pack of monstrous creatures ready to snatch me right off of Frost. I wished then that I would have been able to give myself relief from the stress and terror that sat heavy on my chest.

“Why are we traveling through this forest? And why at night?” I asked Bellamy, my voice a mere whisper. This close to the trees I could see that they were pine, their needles raining down on the ground, making the surface far more difficult to walk on.

Bellamy leaned closer to me, an attempt at staying as quiet as possible. “This land is bordered by the forest, which was the reason it had been previously unclaimed by a Lord before I created Haven. The only way out is through.”

Sounded like the citizens of Haven were more trapped than I thought. Being held captive by The Mist on one side and the Forest of Tragedies on the other. How inviting.

“As for why now, there are wards on the forest. Ancient magic that prevents entry during the day. I believe it was used to warn off those who might let curiosity get the best of them. There are many intelligent creatures who do not wish to eat you, but instead wish to steal from you. Or simply steal you. They will try anything to convince prey to enter the confines of the forest,” Bellamy said, his threatening words not quite matching the shrug of his shoulders.

Ice spread up my spine, a cool kiss of fear. Bellamy’s foreboding tone made me believe that it was not coin or food that was being stolen. No, this was something far more precious. Irreplaceable.

“Like navaloms. They are greedy creatures who gorge themselves on that which you hold most dear, the very things that make you who you are—memories. They are not a particularly strong species, nor are they fighters, which is why they try to lure their prey into the forest with pretty songs. Then they eat away at your past like a sweet dessert, until you are driven mad, or die,” Winona added from behind us.

As an expert on creatures, I imagined her word could, and should, be trusted. Secretly, I hoped that the group of them were simply trying to scare me. Unlikely as that was, it did help quench the fear somewhat.

“The wards were likely created around the same time as the one set on the creatures. They are unable to leave the forest. So they are quite eager for visitors, as you can imagine,” Bellamy added. A shiver snaked down my back, a feeling of dread washing over me like a cool pool of water. Drowning me.

They were definitely serious.

I focused once more on creating a veil of peace for each of them. They had seen far more than I in my life, and it was clear not one of them was a stranger to horror of some sort. I might not have agreed with them, or even wanted to be here, but that did not mean they did not deserve comfort.

If only I could offer myself the same kindness.

“Listen, Asher,” Bellamy said, his voice a quiet plea. “I know now is not a good time, but we do need to talk. You have been through a lot recently, too much, and I have been part of the reason. If you give me the chance, I can explain—”

The snap of a twig drew my attention to our right, everyone in the group immediately going on edge. My breath hitched as a daunting presence sucked the life out of the air. Whatever was out there, it was wrong. Evil.

And it was hungry.

My own mouth salivated when my power grabbed onto whatever it was, responding to the grumbling stomach of the creature hidden in the trees. I sent a placating thought to it, one of boredom and disinterest. Convincing it that there was nothing of importance here.

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