Page 31 of Hidden Kingdoms

Magik hummed through my veins as I stepped towards them, cold dirt beneath my bare feet. Forcing my eyes from the lights I looked down at myself. I was wearing the soft set of clothing I’d been handed with my food. I turned, noticing the runes carved into the trunks of the trees that wept trails of sap.

“Elodie.”

Deep and familiar, the voice echoed through the gloom as my heart tugged. I whirled, suddenly desperate to be united with the source of that voice. The world darkened like the sun had hastened its descent below the horizon, the tiny orbs of light continuing their fall to earth to light the way. I reached out into the shadows, the sparks fell to my fingers?—

The second knock of the day interrupted my daydream, and I blinked away the lingering light in my eyes. How long had I been standing here? I was supposed to be putting together an escape plan, not staring aimlessly out the window.

The handle moved with ease under my palm, as I opened the door again to find the tall lady with another tray of food.

“Why—" I began, seeing the only opportunity I’d had since I was put in here to get some answers, but she cut me off before I could finish.

“I don’t have your answers. Take the food.” It wasn’t unkind yet it didn’t broker room for conversation, and wordlessly I took the tray as she shut the door in my face for a second time.

The room was dim now, the sunlight I had been standing in moments ago fading with every minute I stood facing the door to my cage.

I’d lost time. Lost it staring out at the vast expanse between me and home.

Unease slid through me as I sat at the table, and absently poked at the thick brown liquid within the bowl I had been given. Spoon loose in my grip, steam curled into the air, rising in white swirls as the smell of herbs and meat filled the room. I took a bite, not bothering to pretend I knew how to check for poison. My stomach was grateful despite me being sure I'd eaten not long ago. I ate slowly, knowing there wouldn’t be much to do once the meal was finished except sit with my thoughts. I couldonly manage half as I stared out at the darkness that had fallen, the view from the window all but disappearing.

I was glad of the tiredness that crept over me. I needed to rest. I need to find the energy to get out of here.

I needed a fucking plan.

Standing slowly, I eyed the flames dotted around the room. I considered checking for an off switch, but didn’t give it much thought as I climbed into bed. Pulling the sheets back I slipped in between the covers, picking up the small book I’d left on the bed earlier. I turned the pages as my body sunk into the mattress, skimming the unfamiliar tales as my eyes grew heavy, the book slipping from my fingers as sleep pulled me under.

14

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

ELODIE

The trees formed their perfect circle, meeting at the large willow who draped her branches lazily into the pool beside her roots. Leisurely they swayed, dipping into the still water without disturbing its surface. A soft glow emanated from somewhere within its depths, though I was too far to see its cause.

A figure stepped from behind its trunk, the branches so thick and full I hadn’t known there had been anyone there.

Who was I kidding, this was a dream; they probably materialised out of thin air.

A man walked to the front of the grassy bank, stopping to face me with the water at his back. His black hair looked soft as silk as it blew in the same soft breeze that was moving the leafy drapes of the willow. Honey-brown eyes smiled gently as he looked over at me and as recognition flooded me, my heart stuttered.

That was my dad.

Before a single thought had time to form, another figure followed in his footsteps, and I tracked their journey eagerly.

I didn’t need to wait for them to face me, I knew who this was.

Shining white hair—the same as mine—swept down her back and when she turned, I knew her brown eyes would be crinkled in an easy smile.

Mum.

Her tanned skin shone as she reached her hand out for my dad’s. They had never appeared in a dream before, never, and right now all I could do was stare at them, drinking in every detail.

Nanna Alba followed closely behind, brown hair curled in perfect ringlets that swirled around her face. The ache in my heart that had started at my dad’s face was almost agonising as I looked at her, despite it only really being a day since I’d last seen her.

How long would it be until the next time?

Briar was stepping out now, picking her way over the roots to stand next to Nanna. Her hair fell straight past her shoulders but was no longer the midnight black it had always been. Now, it was bone-white like mine and Mum’s.

That wasn’t right.

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