Nuri stops before a large stone arch that rests in the middle of the grove and then turns. “Don’t tarry,” she calls and trots through the arch.

I gasp as her body disappears into a glistening haze.

“Gods,” Lin breathes. “I hate these woods.”

“Lady blessed!” Torrent yowls as I follow him through the arch. Here the glowing trees nestle houses within their branches. Golden orbs light the paths and twinkle above us like warm stars. Torrent cheers and sprints towards a pen filled with four small animals. He towers over the fence but gently leans over to stroke a strange, furry creature with his large palm. It emits a docile chirp, then lifts enormous brown eyes. It clings to Torr’s finger with its tiny paws. “What are you, little one?” Torrent purrs, placing a kiss atop its head.

“Torrent, really? Be careful!” Lin reprimands. “We don’t know what those things are!”

“Yes, I do,” Torrent grins. “I can feel it. They’re pure and innocent and small! Just like you, Speck!”

Lin’s face tightens, but Torrent smiles as he scratches the creature behind its fuzzy, rounded ear.

“That’s a grimshka,” Nuri says. “They’re harmless. Until they aren’t.”

Lorna whips her head around. “Until they aren’t? What does that mean?”

“Don’t worry. Stoneman’s heart is no threat to their kind. He’s safe.” Nuri lightly taps her bottom lip and, for a moment, watches Torrent with soft eyes. She then flashes Lorna a sharp look. “You, however, should keep your distance.”

Lorna gawks, and I laugh. I’m not alone; Idalia covers her mouth as giggles spill from her.

Lorna pushes forward in annoyed silence. Wooden buildings line the path, each lit by the beautiful glass orbs filled with fluttering golden flakes. The orbs illuminate the path to a small square.

“The lights line our perimeter,” Nuri says as if she’s heard my thoughts. “Don’t wander past them.”

Loud, wild music fills the air. I recognize horns and something like a lute but have never heard some of the other instruments that spring up around us. “Where’s the music coming from?” I ask, patting my thigh in beat with the tune.

Nuri twirls, her hands swaying in the air. “The trees,” she drawls, elongating the latter word for full effect.

Lin gawks in disbelief. “Don’t try and make sense of it,” I whisper to him, though I know he can’t help it. I can almost feel his mind working and reasoning, but at least his breathing has calmed. Slightly.