Free Wilde's Meadow (Darkness Falls #3) by Krystal Wade Page A

river is right there . I sit and dangle my legs over the edge. Water splashes up and soaks through my leather boots. The soothing chill only makes me yearn for more.
    It’s not that far.
    I glance at my arms again; both still bleed and are covered in welts. Pressing my hands to the stone path, I slide—
    Something slams into me, knocking me on my side. “Open your eyes, Katriona.”
    This isn’t real.
    Arland growls. “Open them.”
    My eyes are open. I don’t see Arland. Just the inviting river below.
    It’s not that far.
    Struggling against the invisible force around me, I pull myself toward the ledge and reach out my arm. A crisp, fresh breeze blows against my skin. I’m so close.
    But the force pulls me back again. “Open. Your. Eyes.”
    I shake my head, afraid to yell at this dark magic. The voice sounds so much like Arland’s, so much like the man I love. I would recognize him if his arms were around me. Wouldn’t I?
    “Open your eyes, Katriona Maher. Perth is about to jump off the ledge, too. I cannot save you both if you do not snap out of this.” Warmth greets my lips.
    Arland . He’s kissing me.
    Awareness strikes through me. My eyes are closed. I force them open, then look around. People are everywhere, screaming, tugging each other away from the ledge. Kent smacks Muriel, then she opens her eyes. Brit jumps on Vanora’s back, knocking her to the ground. The horses stand in the middle, unfazed by everything going on around them. We should have tied ourselves to the animals.
    “I’m so sorry,” I mutter, ashamed to meet his eyes.
    “You will never plummet to your death while I am around.” He lifts my chin, a strained smile curving up one side of his face.
    “Did anyone go … over?”
    “No.”
    “Get away from the edge, you idiot,” Rhoswen screams. I would recognize her voice anywhere. She spent every morning and evening with me at Willow Falls, dressing me for Dufaigh’s parties.
    Arland releases his tight grip around my middle, then glances toward the ravine. “Promise to stay right behind me?”
    “I’ll do better than that. I’ll stay next to you, but what about them?” I hook my thumb toward everyone behind us.
    “It appears the others have the situation under control. However, Vanora may hold some hostility toward Flanna and your sister.” He laughs and starts for Perth.
    Gripping Mirain’s lead rope as though it’s my lifeline, I hurry to keep up with Arland, then peek over my shoulder.
    Flanna hooks her arms under Vanora’s, holding her still while my sister smacks her face over and over.
    “Wake up!” Brit screams.
    I have a feeling enemies are being made. Vanora isn’t the forgiving type.
    “Mom. I hear you. I knew you were still alive,” Perth yells, drawing my attention forward. He flails his arms, trying to shake Rhoswen.
    She may be smaller than me, but she and Perth are similar in builds. He pulls at her long, blonde hair, fighting to get away, to hurt her, but she doesn’t give in. And I doubt he even knows she’s there.
    “Arland, she’s already injured. You have to stop him.”
    “Give her a minute, Kate. She was at the back of the line near your sister and me, and for whatever reason when we entered this place, she bolted for the front as soon as Perth acted out. Maybe she did not wish to see one of her kind make a mistake when given an opportunity to lead, but I believe it speaks volumes about their kind that she is helping at all.” Arland doesn’t look away from the only two Ground Dwellers in our small group. I doubt he will allow Perth to hurt Rhoswen or himself, but Arland’s idea is interesting.
    Is this an experiment?
    “No,” Arland says, reading my thoughts. “I am not experimenting. Aside from building the bases and providing weapons, Ground Dwellers have never aided in this war. I wonder if they would have if the curse were not in place. Whatever the case, situations like these are where warriors are born.”
    Rhoswen slaps Perth;