Page 94 of Kingdoms of Night

And you can’t get to shore,Buttercup added.

Idalno choked back a cry. “So it isn’t because we’re too far apart.”

“We’ll go faster this time,” he said firmly. It was now or never. “Grab onto my back. I’m a fast swimmer.”

He expected her to definitely argue this time, but she just nodded, then placed a trembling hand on his shoulder. The thick kohl around her eyes had run down her cheeks. “You’re sure I’m not too heavy?”

“Of course not,” he said, rougher than he intended. He gripped her hand. “Just hold on tight.” He glanced at the wolves.We’re going to go fast this time.

Yes, like running. In water.Buttercup’s eyes widened briefly as she tossed her head.Of course. Very fast.

Have to hurry,Hawthorn said.Don’t like this at all. Those big water snakes are too close.

Agreed. Feron swallowed, the nerves building in the pit of his stomach. That intense certainty from earlier had vanished. Now a cold knot expanded within.

He swam as fast as he could this time, the waters churning and splashing around him. She clung to him tightly, her face pressed near the back of his head.

The waters swept up and engulfed them. Her fingers dug deep into his shoulder and chest.

They emerged, Idalno choking while he spat out more of the filthy water.

In the center of the lake. Again.

He roared, unleashing his frustration until his jaw hurt. Idalno flinched on his back, but then joined him, screaming to the sky.

What had they done wrong? What else could they do?

Idalno’s eyes darted quickly from one point to another, and her lips had taken on a bluish tint. He could do this all day, but she couldn’t.

“We’re not going to die here,” he said, as much to himself as to her. “Annette and Lalko are waiting for us, right?” Hoping to reassure her, he met her dark, wavering eyes until they locked with his. “Annette and Lalko,” he repeated, and she nodded.

But what could they do differently? He swiped the water from his eyes. He would tread water all day if he had to, until they figured it out. Maybe she couldn’t, but he could—for them both, as long as it took.

“Do you see that?” She pointed toward the shore.

Yes. The same barren—

He stopped, tilting his head.

A round table with a lace tablecloth had appeared, set with a full tea service, including what looked like the teapot he’d left on the hilltop. A three-tiered silver stand held colorful macarons and poppy seed cakes with candied nuts and fruits. Mounds of flaky croissants, fruit tarts, glazed rolls, seed cakes, and other delicious baked goods filled most of the table.

Where had that come from?

He shook his head and blinked as water and sweat dripped in his eyes.

When he opened his eyes again, someone stood behind the table, with bright purple hair and a broad embroidered sash over a broad-necked gray silk robe. He inhaled deeply, picking up the distant scent of myrrh and cloves. Puck might look different, but he still smelled the same.

“Hey!” Idalno shouted, lifting her arm. “We’re stuck! And there are eels or something in here.”

“Oh yes,” Puck said with a smile. “There are indeed. Not that you need to worry for a while. They’re always curious before they decide whether they want a snack or not. And just between us, they’ve already had a good meal. So at worst, they’ll take a nibble. But even that isn’t likely.” He tilted his head as he analyzed the teapot. “Though I will admit, I was rather hurt you didn’t bring the teapot with you. I suppose it’s hard to swim—”

“The water won’t let us out.” Enough of this chatter. “How do we get out of this lake?” He swept his werewolf claws at the nearest of the eels, nicking it as it came a little too close. Some of the gray-green scales scraped away as it dived down, twisting to escape. The second veered off as well.

Good, but for how long? Idalno patted him on the shoulder, almost gleeful in her response.

They had to get out of the water fast, especially with night coming. The cold might get them before the eels did.

“What do we have to do?” Idalno called out to Puck.

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