Free Demon Dark by Penelope Fletcher Page A

his cherry-red Mohawk almost glowed.
    Maybe we should get you a tunic.
     
    I am not cold.
     
    You re green. It s more for us than you. In fact, can you make yourself look human like Rae did?
     
    Gunarr looked offended, but answered diligently.
    I cannot touch the Source.
     
    Samuel blinked, expression blank.
    Source?
     
    I could sense this wouldn t be a short conversation.
    Sam, we have to go, but Gunarr can stay, and he ll follow your orders, as long they don t endanger demons who are peaceful.
     
    Samuel let out a shaky breath, his expression bemused.
    Okay, I trust you Rae. I ll do what I can to protect him.
     
    Oh, you don’t have to worry about that. If things get too dangerous he ll just leave,
    I explained.
    Just try and get the Priests to come as soon as they can.
    I smiled encouragingly.
    I m sure you ll do great.
     
    He didn t look convinced. He looked down at his arm then at Daphne. He slanted a look at Gunarr then braved a look at Breandan. Straightening his back, he tugged his hood up.
    I ll do my best. I promise.
     
    ***
     
    We entered Wyld land, and there was a subtle change in the air, a welcoming cool ripple that sent tingles down my spine.
     
    My nature rejoiced at being in so magical a place.
     
    A crisp sweetness fizzed on my tongue, and I smiled as the scents of the forest became fresh and clean. Vivid evergreen shrubs were dotted among the gray tree trunks. Glossy leaves were spotted with yellow lichen, but with winter so near it wasn t surprising. The dense canopy was high overhead, and I could see the stars.
     
    Everything had an electric blue tinge in the dark, my fairy sight.
     
    Breandan took my hand and lead me though a glade, edged by silent and solemn forms.
     
    Sentries.
     
    Fairy Knights.
     
    We walked over a bridge, and underneath ran a lovely stream. When I followed its path with my gaze, I realized it lead to the pool I d escaped to on my first visit.
     
    Daphne was beside herself. Her edginess made me jittery.
    Where shall I put the book?
    she hissed.
     
    Hide it,
    I replied in a low aside.
     
    She nodded absentmindedly and slipped away silently, blurring she ran so fast.
     
    I tugged on Breandan s hand to slow him down to give her time. I didn t think it was a great idea to leave her wandering around on Wyld land on her own for too long.
     
    Will she be in danger?
    I asked Breandan, waiting until I was sure she was out of hearing range. I had a feeling Daphne would be offended if I suggested she couldn t defend herself in enemy territory.
     
    She ll be fine as long as she returns soon. The sentries would have spotted us the moment we set foot on Wyld land. Our number and anyone recognizable would have been relayed back to the first Warrior at hand, and since I am one & or was one, they will be at ease unless we do something to suggest our intentions are anything but peaceful. Since there is a Meet being assembled they will be less leery of strangers.
     
    It s beautiful,
    I murmured appreciatively.
     
    The Wyld is practical in its splendor. The heart holds the ClanTrees, you ve seen them before. Surrounding them are many copses, treefall gaps, and glades.
    He motioned around him.
    Like this, but smaller. We use these clearings for everyday life and social gatherings. The ClanTrees are where the Tribe sleep and gather for personal time between kin. Because of this, the earth beneath them is filled with life and magic. The ground is scared. We have a platform high in the middle ClanTree plant crown to meet the dawn. I once thought there was nothing more beautiful.
    He slanted a look at me.
    I now know better.
     
    It took me a while to catch the compliment, but once I did, I blushed and scooted closer. I lifted my heels of the floor, and balancing on my tiptoes, I cupped his face and kissed him. I was trying to be modest, but he grabbed me by the arms, lifted me up, and deepened the kiss. His tongue boldly swept into my mouth when I gasped, and he groaned low in his