Free Ever Shade by Alexia Purdy Page A

Flowers, pine trees, and deadened mulch were on the ground and mixed with dirt, but perfumed the air. The forest was surreal, compared to her usual reality of constant smog, exhaust, honking cars and the smell of iron in the city. Out here none of that seem to exist and she let herself enjoy the beautiful afternoon. Dragonflies and ladybugs buzzed around her, and disappeared into the forest. She wondered if they were close to a body of water with so many dragonflies about. She was surprised to not see any other of the tiny winged fey she had encountered with Jack. There was no one besides them around. Where is everyone? Are there more fey out here?
    Yes, they are watching, wondering who you are. Wondering why so many are treading the trails with you.
    Shade smiled, the voice was gentle and did not scare her like the voices had before. It seemed like a light caress, a lover’s promise in a whisper. She knew then that it would never be like before; Ilarial had channeled the guides to help her better and understand them with the use of the medicine. The voices would not be an overbearing force on her ever again. She had to remember to thank Ilarial profusely for this gift. Do you have a name? Is there more than one of you?
    Yes, there are three of us that remain with you. Each of us will answer you in a specific situation. We each are helpful in certain things. I am Duende; the others are Astrid and Elaby. We are your spirit guides. There were more but Ilarial has forced them away for they are too much for you to handle. We are entrusted with your wellbeing Shade. Ask us what you will, we will always answer.
    Shade shivered despite the heat of the sun. Their whispers were like the gentle chill of winter, the feeling ran along prickling her skin, and was full of magic. She wondered if she would ever get used to these changes. The group re-entered the forest on the other side of the clearing. The cool cover of the forest canopy felt colder than it had before. Shade noticed how much darker it seemed on this end. It seemed quieter too; only a breeze rustling through the leaves broke up the silence. Even the forest floor was barer with packed dark dirt and had occasional twigs littered about. This was not the same territory. She wondered if this was the start of Teleen territory or maybe even something else.
    “Keep together everyone. We are near the borders of the Teleen’s property. It is guarded well by their soldiers that were banished fey and are ghosts alike. Welcome to the haunted forest.” Ewan snickered, obviously thinking that everyone enjoyed his humor. No one was laughing. Shade hurried up to him as the group tightened. She was curious about the place, figuring he would be the one to ask about the name of the place.
    “Ewan!” She slowed her breathing as she neared him; he had been a lot farther up in the front of the group than she had thought. She hunched over, holding her knees as her breath returned to her.
    Ewan paused and looked at Shade. His eyes shined even without the sun breaking through the canopy, like small flashlights glinting back at her from his black irises. He was big; he had to be at least six eleven. He hovered over her, like he was one of the trees himself. His broad shoulders were wide and strong muscular arms followed. He mostly looked like a tall, husky human male. His stubble was almost long enough for a beard and was dark black, like his hair. He had a long ponytail tied near the base of his neck; it was black as night and lay just below his neckline. He had a rounded nose and full pink lips. He wasn’t that bad looking, his height and largeness made him scary though. Ewan never bothered with any glamour. “Well, little one, what heeds you?” Smiling brought out deep wrinkles around his eyes and laugh lines that creased at his mouth. This man had a smile that showed he enjoyed living. He nodded and started walking again when she had caught up and they were now moving together in