Magic races along my skin, eager to be used, but I hold back. Faces surface from every tree, screaming noiselessly. It takes a moment for me to realize they’re all moving in terrifying unison: Run.

Shadows burst between us. A swirling black mass materializes before me, blocking out the trees.

Theyen leans out, hand extended. “Let’s go!”

I rip my arms free, wincing as the branches tear through clothes and skin. He catches my hand and drags me through the gate.

Silence encloses us. The darkness is absolute. My body feels suspended, like I’m floating or flying. Theyen’s arms encircle me, my only anchor in this sightless, soundless nightmare. My fingers dig into his back, terrified of being lost within the emptiness.

Something shimmers ahead, and he tugs me forward. I take a step, and my foot suddenly finds the ground. Gasping, I clutch at him until the world rights itself and the shock of the shadow gate fades.

“That was horrible,” I croak as I uncurl my fingers from his tunic.

He makes a patronizing sound. Although we’re still in the Dead Wood, we’ve emerged near the white curtain of webbing that surrounds Spinner’s End.

It isn’t until we’re clear of the trees and just shy of the webbing that I allow myself to breathe easy.

“What took you so long?” I ask, peeking past the curtain to check for the night patrol. The gates are empty. I learned from my time here that the soldiers don’t take guard duty very seriously, and why should they? The Dead Wood does all their work for them.

“The shadow gate scared your dim beast worse than the trees did. It took off the moment we emerged. I had to chase after it and then get it secured inside the castle grounds before coming back for you.”

“But he’s okay?”

“Yes, yes. Left him with a servant and orders to get him fed and cleaned up.”

“Thank you.” I push aside the white curtain and step past its shield. With most everyone in bed, the castle is still. Low burning torches illuminate the entrances. Moonlight edges the roofs in silver and bleaches the bone palisade ivory.

We stop first in the armory, which is simple enough to break into. I’m not going to kill any of Ronin’s soldiers, but I’d rather not face a giant spider with only my fists. I locate a pair of dual swords and strap them to my back. The weight of the weapons improves my mood immensely.

On our way out, Theyen says, “Whatever you mean to do next, I can’t go with you. I won’t be any more involved than I already am.”

I’m disappointed but not surprised. “You saved me just now. I can’t ask anything more of you.” I squint at his head and the shining circlet adorning his white hair. “Except for a hairpin.”