Page 97 of Trial of Thorns
“Just do it,” Kari spits, her face white.
“They’re coming,” Caelynn says through her teeth, annoyance clear at our anticipation. Shedoesn’twant to kill her? “We have to go.”
“Where to?” I ask.
Caelynn takes in a long breath. “This way.” She leaps from the path, into the forest where leaves crunch beneath our feet.
“Where are we going? This is east.” As in,wrong way!
“I think there’s a portal over here,” she says, her strides long and even. Is she even tired after battling four powerful fae, defeating two of them? Who the hell is this girl? I’m beginning to understand how she managed to kill my brother. He probably never expected the young pretty thing to have this much power. Did she hide her bright eyes even then?
Note to self—never underestimate her. Never underestimate anyone from the Shadow Court, who uses secrets and deceit as their greatest advantage.
We follow Caelynn through the forest until I see her destination—a stone archway at the top of a hill. It’s off the path but otherwise is obvious—if you know to look for portals.
Maybe she’s right. Maybe this is right the way, but I’m not entirely certain until we climb the hill and pass through the archway into distinctly different terrain. The shadows are vast, thick with danger.
“Wow,” Tyadin breathes in front of me.
I swallow as the twisted trees with leaves black as night tower over me the moment I’m through. It’s another world entirely.
Caelynn stares at the canopy above, the sky beyond a dark blue, even though it’s still midday. She sucks in a long deep breath, eyes closed, expression serene.
I step forward and can’t help but glance back at her, watching her reaction carefully. Her expression as soft as I’ve ever seen it.
The look of someone who has finally come home.
I turn away, acid filling my veins.I hate her, I remind myself. And I hate myself for needing the reminder.
I breathe in deeply, the thick and humid smell of the shadow realm. This forest has a distinct scent—damp wood and fresh foliage. Of wild power and danger.
It’s the smell of her.
A smell I am simultaneously disgusted by and in awe of.
Caelynn
