Page 34 of Through the Wicked Wood

“When King Silas died, everything happened so quickly. Then when Roman took over, there was so much other noise with the turning of the throne that no one took notice of the small changes he began to make. One day, Enchantresses weren’t allowed to practice magick after a certain hour. The next day, we weren’t allowed to practice magick at all. Of course, we were upset. Outraged. Those who lashed out against the king did out of defense. That’s all it took for him to change the narrative and poison the minds of the people into believing that we struck first.”

“Then what happened?” Sam asks, her grip on my hand firm and assuring.

“The people of Valebridge have been through uprisings before,” I explain. “Have seen what happens when Enchantresses are pushed too far. The last time it happened was long before you and I were born, but the stories were told to us every day in our schooling. How Enchantresses unleashed their magick against those in the kingdom, killing anyone who stood in their way.

“King Richard changed the laws after negotiations were made. He gave us more freedom, more of a life. But the scar of the last uprising remains, people don’t easily forget fear, and when the stories are repeated day after day, it didn’t take much to convince them it was going to happen again. Roman’s lies spread like wildfire through Valebridge. So, when the Enchantresses began to question the new rules, the people saw it for what they wanted. An uprising.”

“It wasn’t long after the banishment of magick that Enchantresses began to go missing. Pulled from their beds, taken off the street, and all the while, King Roman became stronger. Smarter. More skilled than any other king.”

“He’s been harvesting magick,” Sam whispers as if in disbelief, bringing her hand to her mouth.

Nodding, I continue, “My mother led a handful of us to the base of the mountain before Roman could take full control. I’m not sure how she knew we’d be safe there, but with her ability of Sight, it’s likely she knew exactly where to go.” It’s only now I’m questioning the many years spent untouched on the mountain. How is it that no one from the Onyx Guild found us? They controlled all of the Kirsgard Mountain range and yet we lived peacefully for two years. Maybe they didn’t care to look just as the Jade Guild has ceased caring in the forests.

Pushing away thoughts of the Guilds for a moment, I continue, “The moon was new and its light was faint that night.” Clenching my fists, I focus on my breathing. “The snow was the heaviest I’ve ever witnessed. No one could see—” Pausing, I bite the inside of my cheek as the darkness dances along the corner of my eyes. Any moment and they’ll start.

Murderer.

Murderer.

The voices come ceremoniously, using the darkness as their opening to strike me when I’m at my most vulnerable. “We couldn't see—” I attempt again but come up short. Ripping my hand from Sam’s, I grip my chest to soothe the ache. “I’m sorry.” It’s all I can say before bolting out of the room.

“Elora, wait!” Sam’s voice trails behind me as I sprint from the house, pressing my palms to my ears to muffle the word still echoing there.

Murderer.

I’m so focused on the ground as I descend the final porch steps, I don’t see the figure standing at the bottom. My face collides into something firm yet warm, sending me tumbling backward and onto the ground. Shooting my head up, I glare at whomever it is that stands in my way.

Wearing black from head to toe, his pale blonde hair is a shock of light against his obsidian attire. Long legs and slim torso dressed immaculately in form fitting pants and a long sleeve shirt, laced loosely in the front. His blue eyes pierce into me as I straighten myself, suddenly very aware of his proximity. The expression on his face is cool, borderline annoyed as he watches me get ahold of myself. Not so much as offering his hand to help me up, as if I am the one inconveniencing him, not the other way around. A pile of papers and books are tucked neatly under one arm as he looks down at me. His high cheekbones give his face a certain sharpness that makes my stomach turn.

“Going somewhere?” His voice is low as I wipe the dirt from my breeches and pull myself to my feet.

“Well, I was trying before you decided to get in my way,” I snap at the arrogant stranger. He flashes me a quick closed mouth grin, clearly amused by my frustration. I open my mouth to excuse myself but am not given the chance before Sam rushes out of the house.

“Elora, please, come back inside.” The worry in her voice is displayed across her face. Her widened eyes scan over me, surely I look completely disheveled after my fall.

My options are minimal; stay here with this cold stranger, walk aimlessly through town before ending back up here anyway, or save myself the trouble and just go back inside now. I sigh, steadying myself before I take the few steps up to the house. If I want to stay and do this, this journey, I’ll have to face my demons and truth some time or another.

Samaria pulls me in for a hug, her body wrapping me up in a tight embrace. I lean into her closeness rather than fight it. My heart rate returns to a normal pace and slowly, the voices fade.

“We’ll talk later. Whenever you’re ready,” she whispers, pulling herself away. I cast her an appreciative smile before the sound of the man clearing his throat catches both of our attention. Sam grins, turning toward him. “Well, I see you’ve already met Galen.”

Chapter 18

Sorin

“So, it’s settled, then,” I say, handing Galen a glass of wine before sitting across from him on the settee.

“No,” he says, drawing out the word and rolling his eyes. He sets down his glass, a soft thud as it hits the wood. “It’s not settled. What you’re attempting to do is ridiculous. Do you have any idea just how many guards could be stationed on Kirsgard Mountain?”

I shake my head.

“Exactly,” he sighs. “It’s an uncalculated risk, and a huge one.” He drags a hand down his face as I settle on the couch beside him. With Elora helping Sam prepare dinner, I snagged some time alone with my oldest friend. However, if I’m being honest with myself, I wish Elora would join me in my room, not Galen. Though, it is good to see him. It’s been far too long this time.

Sipping my wine, I brace myself for the battle. “I understand it’s going to be difficult—”

Galen’s laugh cuts me short. “Difficult is an understatement, Sorin. What you’re asking is impossible,” he says before taking a small sip of drink, his lip curls into a snarl, his distaste for wine has always amused me.

I tsk, wagging a finger toward him. “Now, now. Just because you’re an educated scholar doesn’t give you the right to speak down to the rest of us.” I laugh, though his eyes narrow in my direction, and I know I’ve gotten under his skin. I flash him a wide grin that he promptly ignores. Pushing his blonde hair out of his eyes, he relaxes back into the sofa for the first time since we’ve sat down.

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