Page 30 of Fallen Angels

“We must keep moving,” he answers. “How is your magic?”

He already knows the answer to the question. My magic isn’t what it usually is, owing to the fact of having little sleep and even less food over the last few days. “I’m weak, just the same as you,” I answer.

He nods and we grow quiet, each of us scanning the trees before and alongside us. The trees of this forest are enormous, gnarled oaks covered in lichen and moss. A musty aroma wafts through the air as we wander deeper into the forest. Thick, untamed underbrush covers the ground.

“Where be them ugly ass creatures you was warnin’ us about?” the sprite asks as it appears directly beside Dragan’s head.

“They’re out there,” Dragan responds. He’s right. The creatures of this forest already have us in their sight.

“We must stay together and not for any reason follow the sound of water,” I say as I look at the sprite, then turn to address Eilish and Baron. The two of them walk so closely together, they almost appear as conjoined twins.

“Why?” Eilish asks.

“This forest is infamous, not only owing to the abominations that dwell here, but also due to its bewitching powers. The trees make the sound of rippling water to lure travelers to a place calledthe Harrowing.”

“The Harrowin’?” the sprite repeats and gulps down his fear.

“Yes,” I respond. “Anyone who ventures there gets eaten.”

“Eaten by what?” Eilish asks.

“The forest,” I answer. “The trees grow large and strong due to the constant nourishment.”

“The nourishment of what?” Eilish continues.

“The abominations will take your flesh and blood, but the forest takes your soul,” Dragan responds.

“Very little in the realms is more sustaining than the soul,” I add.

Eilish’s scent swirls around me with each step I take, and I force myself to start breathing through my mouth. I don’t want to smell her. I don’t want to look at her. I don’t want to think about ramming my…

The forest is hot and murky. Fog hovers above the ground where thick roots spread across the sodden earth beneath our feet. My boots squelch on the moss. I hear the sound of footsteps picking up behind me and moments later, Eilish grasps my shoulder to steady herself.

“These abominations you mentioned,” she starts but I can’t say my attention is on her words. Instead, another vision grips me and won’t let go.

I see Eilish sitting in a chair, watching as Variant thrusts into Anona. The pleasure I see on the demon’s face is revolting, and the look in Eilish’s eyes is anything but blissful. Tears stream down her cheeks as her hand caresses the flesh between her thighs. As I watch, I realize Variant is forcing her to touch herself, just as he forces her to watch him fuck Anona.And then… then he does the unthinkable. He reaches out and pulls a blade from beneath a pillow, and severs Anona’s throat.

Just as quickly as the vision attacks, it fades away.

“Cambion?” Eilish says and then looks up at me in question.

“Sorry… what?”

She studies me for a moment or two and then repeats her question. It takes everything within me to focus on her words. “What are the types of creatures in this forest?”

“Oh, um,” I start but the words fade away. “There are…”

“Cambion? Is something wrong?” she asks.

“No, I just… my mind is elsewhere.” I clear my throat and then look down at those wide blue eyes of hers and I can’t control myself as the words leave my mouth. “Did he…” I clear my throat again. “Did Variant force you to watch…”

She flushes violently and then takes a deep breath. She doesn’t respond but drops back to join Baron, meeting his strides yet again. I’ve upset her—that much is obvious. But she’s managed to answer my question, all the same. There was no denial in her expression. Something happened in Variant’s bedchamber and Eilish is ashamed of it. I suddenly hanker to talk to her, but now is not the time.

Why the fuck do I even care?I rage inwardly.Who gives a shit if she watched Variant fuck Anona!

I try to tell myself that my interest is purely owing to curiosity. Then why do I feel strangely protective towards Eilish? Why do I feel a flare of compassion spreading through my chest?

I watch as Baron and Eilish stare at each other, their expressions unreadable. Baron is the one who looks away.

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