Page 58 of Of Blood & Stone

“I’ve seen the tree,” he admitted, his own tongue cursing at him for sharing information that could get him in trouble with the High One. “Tall, clear as crystal, and filled with magic.”

She laughed. “Your one successful attempt at humor.”

“It’s the truth. When I went through Lhaal Forest with Kharis, I couldn’t sleep. And then I saw something glowing, brighter than this pool.” He motioned to the waters. “It was a large tree, glowing with what looked like veins of magic. But just as I was starting to believe what I was seeing, it disappeared.”

Sylzenya’s stare didn’t leave his. He held her there, taking a step forward, lowering his voice. He could see it in her eyes, she was considering his words, wanting them to be true.

“I thought I was hallucinating, but then you shared your vision, and now I have no doubt I saw it. If we work together, maybe we can find it.”

As he took another step towards her, she didn’t back away.

“Why should I trust you?” she whispered.

He stopped, spinning the gold ring on his finger. “I know I haven’t given you much reason to do so.”

Her brows raised to her hairline. “No, you haven’t.”

Shit.

Wrong move.

Before he could say anything else, her mask returned, her brows set hard on her face.

“That concludes our tour,” she said, motioning for him to walk out with her.

“Wait—”

“Unless you want more history of our people, I suggest we return to the inn. I imagine you’re still exhausted from your travels, especially if you didn’t sleep while in Lhaal Forest.”

Frustration warred in his chest. “Sylzenya, listen?—”

“Ah, there you are,” a low voice boomed into the room, echoing off the sandstone walls.

The High One strode in, the light shining on him blinding Elnok.

“Prince Elnok, it’s wonderful to see you again.”

Elnok couldn’t feel more different.

“Likewise, Your Grace.”

“Mind if I take Sylzenya from you for a moment? It won’t be long.”

Elnok turned to her. Sylzenya’s mask faltered, a small vein appearing on the side of her forehead as she gulped.

“I believe Sylzenya was in the middle of sharing the lore of your people,” Elnok replied. “Perhaps in a few more momen?—”

“We finished the tour, Your Grace,” Sylzenya interrupted. “Stay here, Prince. I’ll be back shortly.

Elnok curled his fists as they left the room.

He should wait, keep looking at the wall, see if there were any clues to find the compass, but a thin layer of panic seized his lungs. He’d pushed her too far too soon. She might report his desire for the healing tree to the High One.

He’d be arrested and put into their dungeons. He wouldn’t be able to save Orym, let alone see him before he died.

Taking a deep breath, he left the glowing water and followed them.

At first he’d hated how many willows populated the temple, but now he thanked their goddess for it. Hiding had never been this easy in any of the coastal towns he’d lived in these past ten years.

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