Nuri nods in agreement. “Much like the Woman of the Woods.”

Idalia’s brow is wrinkled, and I sense her rapidly thinking. Before I can open my mouth, Lin presses on.

“So, wait a minute. Are you her, then? Are you the Woman of the Woods? The First Prophet?”

Nuri laughs and drinks straight from the pitcher in front of her. “I’m afraid not.”

Lorna crosses her arms and stares at Nuri. “Then are you a prophet for the gods, like her?”

“No,” she answers in a bored tone.

“But the sacred texts say she’s the only prophet! Anyone else is a heretic!” Lin sputters, though Nuri doesn’t pay him any mind.

Idalia looks sick, her fair skin turning even paler as the conversation goes on. I can barely stand the sight of it.

“Is this how you do it?” I cut in, unable to restrain my irritation. “You have visions of people passing through The Wood, so you meet them and seduce them into coming here? Do you cram the magic you speak of into your trees, the lights, and liquids all to trap people here?”

The table falls deadly silent. “There’s no wildlife outside of this place,” I continue. “Explain that! Did the Minea, or the Herrah, or whatever the hells they’re called, cast a spell over the rest of The Wood so that no one can survive outside of Idizina?”

“Watch your words, ranger,” Nuri says slowly. Rianne and Breto shift in their seats.

“How do we know that the Minea are Holders of Light? What’s to stop us from believing that they–and you—aren’t the Keepers of the Dark?” I ask.

“You know nothing about us,” Nuri hisses, her eyes now cloudy.

“And you think you know us?” I laugh, throwing up my arms. She gives me a long stare as if reading my thoughts, then smiles like a wise fox.

“Aye, I’ve known plenty of proud archers in my day. Long-range fellows who don’t seem to understand that from a distance, anyone might feel brave.”

My face heats, and from the corner of my eye, I see Idalia twisting and pulling her fingers on the tabletop.

“Do you truly think that I don’t know you and the name that you bear, Braizen Brader, Prince of Baelliles? Or the curse that follows you and the Hyland Princess?” She points a stiff finger at Idalia, who squirms.