“What will you whisper? The Slayer seeks to kill. Who will you sacrifice?”

“None. I will leave a message saying I need the Slayer’s help and nothing will happen.”

And if it does,” Snow challenged.

“Then I’ll ask him to protect my husband.”

“He doesn’t protect. He causes harm.”

“We don’t know that for sure? Maybe there is more to the Slayer than we know,” Willow argued. She gave her sister’s hand another squeeze. “Don’t worry. You know I don’t take foolish risks.”

Snow gave a hardy laugh, though lowered her voice when she spoke. “You never did until you wed Slatter.”

“In some ways, he opened my eyes to things I never bothered to see.”

“I’m truly happy for you, Willow, but please, please be careful and don’t go into the woods alone,” Snow ordered.

“I’m just going to the edge of the woods where the oak trees appear as if they’re hugging each other.”

“Where we played when young bairns while Mum collected plants. And you won’t be long,” Snow ordered again.

“I won’t be long since I’ve yet to eat this morning and I’m starving.” Willow’s stomach grumbled to prove it.

Snow chuckled. “I haven’t eaten yet either so we can share the meal together. Where is Slatter?”

“His grandmother wanted to speak with him privately. I’m sure he’ll be finished soon since she was growing tired when I was there and she needs to rest.” She stood. “Which means I have little time to get this done before my husband shows up. I’ll be back in a wink.”

“Be careful,” Snow called after her and Thaw raised his head where he slept at Snow’s feet and gave a yelp.

Willow loved the woods and the way it dressed for the seasons. Today she wore a light mantle of snow, the ground and bare tree branches dusted with it, except for the pines. The snow clung to the pine needles making them appear as if they flickered with light against the dull gray sky.

She had spent much time here with her mum digging up nettles, wild carrot, wild rasps, and more. Her mum taught her about plants and the woods itself. Her mum had told her that the woods was a safe place if people were wise to its ways.

She made her way to a spot where a group of oak trees appeared clumped together, though there was space for a person or three young lasses to squeeze into the center.

She smiled at the enjoyable memories the trees brought her, the laughter she and her sisters had shared, and the tears, the three of them having gone there after burying their da. They had sought solace together and the trees had given it to them. She had to shake her head at the thought that some believed the tree roots could in anyway reach down to hell and the devil himself. They were far too lovely and comforting to be touched by evil.