His frown persisted. “That’s not what I mean. I mean the last time I was here it was further away from the edge of the forest.”

Now she understood why he remained rooted where he stood. He was worried. “The forest is always expanding, right? Isn’t that what Cintra always says?”

He shook his head, but it wasn’t a denial. “Yes, but never like this. The last time I visited these parts was two years ago. There were no signs of civilization for miles. This rate of expansion is unprecedented.” Shim now had one foot turned back toward Lostwood, as though he, too, was considering fleeing. “We need to inform Cintra.” His last statement was a low murmur, as though meant only for himself, an inner thought that had mischievously snuck out from his lips.

Soraya was so tempted to grab hold of it and use it to get her wish to return to the forest she knew and loved. And yet she also knew that doing this would be selfish and wrong. “And we will,” she said. “But first we need to complete our mission.”

Shim blinked, and when his golden eyes landed back on her, they looked clearer, as though the cobwebs had finally been cleared. “You’re right.”

“Of course I am. Why do you think Narcissi made me a Guardian? Now come on, no time like the present.” She repositioned her pack’s straps on her shoulder and started off, hoping her partner would buy her outward act of confidence when, on the inside, she was all jitters and butterflies.

Sure enough, she heard the sound of his footfalls settle in behind her as they approached the village nestled on the outskirts of Lostwood. “Into the bag,” she said, and her furry friend didn’t even argue with her, offering a pleasant, “Morg!” before leaping inside the pouch. It was like he, too, was looking for a way to escape whatever was to come. She stuffed a couple of flowers in the bag as a reward for his obedience.

“Are we going to talk about how the bear’s heart is still beating?” she asked as they made their final approach to the village.

“There’s nothing to talk about,” Shim said.

“Except that it’s still beating when it’s supposed to be dead?”

He shrugged his big shoulders. “Not our responsibility. Those infused with Narcissi’s blood have unique properties. We’ll bring it back to Cintra when this is all over and let her deal with it.” He left it at that, which was for the best considering the sprawl of activity that stood before them.