For the most part, the night’s chill hasn’t found me. Though, each time Torrent twitches in his sleep, the protection of his arm falters, and my teeth chatter. My cloak only covers a small portion of his body. Never in my life have I encountered such a shrill wind. I assume that whatever magic powers The Wood holds must exaggerate the weather within it. Leaves rustle, and I crane my head to look for danger, but Brax sleeps soundly, and if I know anything about this horse, it’s that if there were a threat, he’d be the first to alert me. I haven’t slept much, but I don’t need much rest to operate. Besides, every time I close my eyes, I see the same scene.

First, I imagine birds in flight, their relentless pursuit for freedom. Then, I see her eyes. She lies next to me, our noses almost touching. Golden sunlight falls across her face, gilding her fair cheeks. We tangle further into silken white sheets, laughing at something I’ve said. Her hair briefly spills over her face, and I move it away. I can touch her, hold her. It’s as if there were never a curse, and we’re in love and happily wed.

The same melody I heard from the Idizina trees surrounds us, but now a delicate, rippling wave sings alongside the harp; the two meld in perfect harmony. “Braizen,” she hums, and her voice makes the golden rays illuminating her face shine brighter. I’ve heard a thousand melodies in my lifetime, but none as beautiful as the way she says my name now. Her hands run through my hair, and when she smiles, I’m in the Great Lands, finally at peace.

“Get up,” she whispers.

I laugh and tug at her hands, forcing them to wrap around my shoulders.

“Get up,” she repeats, only her smile has faded this time. Mine disappears as I search her eyes.

“Get Up!” She yells. “Get up! Get up!”

I feel a tug at my arm and see Torrent standing over me.

“Get up!” He shouts, pulling me to my feet. I’m barely conscious when I see Lin, in only his braies, firing his weapon into the trees.

“What’s going on?” I ask, struggling to balance. Torr grabs his trousers and sword as he replies.

“The Others.”

My mind spins, then I snatch up my bow, run to the carriage, and yank open the door. Lorna is almost dressed and holding Nedson. Behind her, Idalia sits with her knees tucked against her chest. She looks frightened

“I’ll protect her,” Lorna says shortly. I nod, look once more at Idalia, then slam the door.

“Where are they?” I call as I join Lin and Torrent in our circle formation.

“Not sure. They’re using magic, so we don’t even know how many there are,” Torr responds, waving his sword high.