“I cannot believe you actually came here,” Ever said, flinging herself into the chair opposite me.

“Of course I’m here,” I hissed. “I came for—” I began, but she cut me off.

“James. I know. I know. You came for James. And just how did you think you’d be able to find him?”

“I didn’t think it would be that hard. We do speak the same language.”

“Meaning?” Ever asked.

“I was going to go into town, and then ask around for James Turner until I found him.”

“They’re all named Turner. Since that’s what they do. Turn girls away from their family to bring them here.” Ever laughed, and my insides burned. “So, good luck with that plan.”

“Screw you, Ever.”

I stood and strode purposefully toward the door, giving her time to stop me. She didn’t. I hesitated with my hand on the doorknob as my resolve crumbled. We’d passed by so many trails to end up at her cottage—none of them marked in any way. I had no clue how to get out of this maze. What if I took the wrong path? Wound up at the home of one of the crazies who ran this place? And even if I wanted to go back to Woodvine, it might take me days to get back to the trail that led to Judaculla Rock.

If I ever found it.

“Hmmm, nowhere to go, huh?”

Taking a deep breath, I turned to face her.

“Sit down. I’ll try to make this as easy for you to understand as possible. If you still don’t get it, you can ask questions when I’m finished,” Ever said.

Like a scolded child, I returned to the chair.

Ever stared at the mantelpiece perched above the fireplace. The thick slab looked like it had been taken from the heart of a single oak tree. Its golden stain matched the hardwood floors. Ever’s expression softened the longer she stared at the mantle. The mantelpiece had a calming effect on her, so I waited patiently, hoping she’d open up and actually provide some useful information.

After several agonizing minutes, she finally tore her eyes away and used them to bore into me. Ever shook her head, and her mouth made a tight line. She exhaled loudly before speaking. When she did, she seemed to be talking to herself.

“She’s here now,” Ever said, rolling her eyes. “No way to undo that one.” She focused on me. “I get it. Love everlasting and all that.” She waved her hand in the air dismissively. “That’s what they all say. But it’s not gonna work.”

“You don’t know James like I do.” I challenged.

Ever scoffed. “No. I don’t. I know him better than you do.”