‘If you wind up in the Land of the Lore, there are a few things I need to tell you. Do NOT go through the archway. Thorne and Sage are not your friends. Even if it’s post-100 years’ war, they are so deep in their chess game Thorne had to curse his own daughter for three centuries. The Seelie King will still be alive, if he gets his hands on you—-well, those frat boys would be a picnic, ya feel me? But more than that, he would figure out that you’re Everest’s soulmate and that could be lethal to him. Do not even step inside that circle around the archway. You’re smart and creative, think of something to keep yourself away from that.

The Strait of the Dead runs through there, I suspect you may be sensitive to this like I am. Keep your eyes OFF any spirits. Do not join their walk. Stay with Everest, and if he’s not there then stick to Sweyn. She won’t get herself killed. Now, see the rune I drew at the bottom of this page? Right so I need you to prick your finger then draw that rune on the bottom of both of your feet in your own blood. If you’re wearing long sleeves, then draw the rune also on the inside of your elbows. If your elbows are exposed, then please don’t lol.’

“Oh shit.”

I sat the book down and brought my fingertip to my fang, I had to admit they were handy. Once I pierced my skin and the blood bubbled to the surface, I lifted one foot at a time and drew the rune as it looked in the book. Then I copied into the crook of my elbows, took me a little longer to draw it with my left hand but I managed. Once that was done, I turned back to the book to finish Tegan’s note.

‘Now look, real-talk time, Everest told me Sweyn uses LOTL as a hunting ground. A vampire’s ideal food source is human blood. The way that horrible place works is similar to a portal. You very well may come across innocent humans who just think they’re lost in whatever forest they entered into. Try to ignore them. That is not a magic you can break, remember what it did to Everest when he destroyed it? Ignore the humans, they will not have the same experience we do when we enter. If you cannot ignore them, if you’re forced to interact you can draw this rune somewhere on their skin. It MIGHT help them. Remember, if you use your magic the forest will attack you and your quest may be doomed. Keep your head on a swivel and do whatever you have to do to stay alive. Lastly, change your bag into a waist chain you can wear under your dress so no one sees it.’