Page 9 of The Song of Sunrise
“So many questions,” Castor grumbles.
Leaf and Castor look at one another, exchanging an unspoken conversation.
Eventually, Leaf explains, “See the thing is,technicallywe don’t report directly to them just yet because we are still in training, so it’s not like we are completely breaking the rules” —he smiles through gritted teeth—“if you don’t count the numerous rules we already broke by deviating to Goldenpine, intervening in an Underworld attack, and taking you with us.”
3
The Darkwoods
Thick layers of twisting branches and russet leaves protect us from the continuous onslaught of rain. I curse under my breath as my boots squelch across the muddy forest floor, waterlogged dress swinging heavily with each step.
What I would give to be back in my safe, dry basement room.
My heart grows sodden at the thought, so I shove it deep down until it’s blocked out completely, like the missing stars in the stormy sky above.
“This will work,” Castor says matter-of-factly, nodding at the small patch of ground with twisting tree roots and fungi.
So much for staying dry.
The Watchers move in unison as if they have done this a million times, tying the horses to the trees and scouting the perimeter. Castor disappears into the surrounding woods with a dagger drawn, likely to catch our dinner. Leaf continues to circle the small clearing, pausing on occasion to make elaborate hand gestures while muttering something I can’t quite make out.
His movements are mesmerizing. If I look closely enough, I can see the Source weaving in small strings of light around his fingertips, as if he is pulling the magic from the air around us and tying it into knots.
“Solaris shield,” Leaf says without looking at me, sensing my observations. “It’s a protective enchantment of sorts.”
Right. Because he can channel the Source as a Watcher!
Leaf continues his work in an easy silence. I, on the other hand, pace back and forth, shivering, wholly convinced that I’m the victim of every rogue rain droplet that somehow manages to seep through the canopy. I cannot just stand here uselessly, so searching for firewood seems like a good enough plan.
Staying close to our “camp,” I start gathering kindling, each movement pulling a sharp, stinging ache through my ribs. In a cruel, unsettling way, I welcome the pain—a reminder that this is real. I want to remember this pain because if I forget, I forgethim.
Pleased with the growing bundle of sticks in my arms, I head back to our camp. I don’t notice the root winding up from the earth until I’m already stumbling. I brace myself for the impact, eyes squeezing shut in preparation for the exacerbation of my pain…
…but it never comes.
“Careful there.” Leaf delicately lifts me back to a vertical position. His lips are pinched, holding back a grin. I must look ridiculous in my sopping wet dress, standing in a haphazard pile of sticks.
Great, just great.
“Thanks,” I offer and roll my shoulders back.
How did he get over here that quickly to catch me? He isn’t even winded.
“Firewood?” He raises an eyebrow and gestures eccentrically in my general direction. The corner of his mouth twitches upward.
“Thought I would make myself useful,” I say and begin collecting sticks once again.
He smiles and pivots abruptly to the side, extending his hands to continue shielding, fingertips aglow with a soft golden light. “Any help making our camp tonight, I’ll take. Just another night for me, terribly uncomfortable in the woods… Fuck, I’m really looking forward to sleeping in a feather bed sometime soon. I’m starting to think my bunk at the Watch isn’t so bad.” Leaf sighs. “This spot seems as good as any. I doubt anyone will find us here. It’s not often travelers stray from the road into the Darkwoods.”
Not often?“Is it really the best idea for us to sleep here then?”
“We are not justanyone; we are Watchers! Protectors of the human race, you know, stuff like that. Only a dumb Sun-licker is going to try approaching us here.” He wiggles his glowing fingers to emphasize the point.
“Right. I’m sure your jazz hands will scare away all of the predators,” I volley back.
Leaf throws his head backward and howls, his low baritone laugh is so full and pure that it would make a Teller jealous. If any animal circling by didn’t hear us before, they definitely heard us now.
The corners of my lips twitch, threatening to curve into a smile. I quickly turn away, instead brushing my fingers through Lux’s dark mane. I cannot bear to let myself smile, not after what happened.
