Chapter 19

‘With all the monsters that have appeared lately, I would think you would be somewhat worried about what’s within those trees?’ I say, pointing into the darkness of the forest. ‘Maybe it’s best we don’t find out what’s in there. I mean, the sun is shining out here, and there are some patches of grass that Thypon has not yet destroyed.’

I wander over to a half-shrivelled flower and pluck it from the ground. ‘See, this flower is only half dead. Let’s stay out here, out of the darkness of the forest and in the safety of the patchy grass and withered blooms while we wait for Sir Hugo,’ I say with a nervous laugh.

Alec grabs my hand and yanks me toward him, ‘Come on, Nina. You’re the Queen of curiosity. It’s not like you to not want to have a peek at whatever it is in there,’ he grins.

‘Yes, well, as you know. Curiosity has never been my friend, and I’d rather not be acquainted with it again.’

Alec pulls me in even closer, his hot breath tickles the nape of my neck, and I melt in his arms.