Inside the supposedly eerie and dark forest that trapped unwanted visitors before devouring them, I felt so much at ease that I wouldn't refute anyone who told me this was paradise.
My husband, my love, my Natha--simply staying in his arms and breathing his coldness shed the fear taking hold of me all day. Of course, I still had a massive concern about what I should do once we departed for the Sanctuary in three months. For now, however, I just let myself savor Natha's presence.
[Papa!]
"Jade!" I gasped. "Oh, I'm sorry for leaving you behind!"
This reunion with Natha had left me forgetting everything else, including Jade and the fairies who came with me. I didn't even realize fairies were circling above us, glowing and buzzing like an excited spectator.
No wonder the forest didn't seem so eerie and dark--it was because of these high-level fireflies.
