LORRY SPRINGSTONE'S/KELLY THOMPSON'S POV
The night goes on almost hitch free, but I can't shake the feeling of unease that has settled over me. Jason and Eden are already asleep, their breathing soft and rhythmic in the dimly lit room. I sit cross-legged on the moss, my back against the curved wall of our arboreal chamber, unable to find rest.
My mind races with possibilities and potential dangers. The council's suspicion was palpable, and I know that one wrong move can spell disaster for us all. I close my eyes, trying to piece together a plan for the morning's interrogation.
A soft rustling outside our door makes me freeze. I hold my breath, straining to hear. There it is again - the unmistakable sound of hushed voices. Our guards, I realize, are talking amongst themselves.
Silently, I creep closer to the door, pressing my ear against the rough bark. Their voices are muffled, but I can just make out snippets of their conversation.
"...don't trust them," one guard whispers, his tone harsh. "Outsiders have never brought anything but trouble."
"The council will decide," the other replies, sounding weary. "It's not our place to question."
"But you've heard the rumors," the first insists. "The veil between worlds is thinning. What if they're here to—"
He cuts off abruptly, and I hear the sound of footsteps approaching. Quickly, I scramble back to my spot against the wall, heart pounding. The door creaks open, and one of the guards peers in, his antlers silhouetted against the silvery light from outside. His gaze sweeps the room, lingering on me for a moment before he withdraws, closing the door behind him.
I let out a shaky breath, my mind reeling from what I've just overheard. The veil between worlds? What could that mean? And what do they think we're here to do?
As the night wears on, sleep continues to elude me. I watch the shifting patterns of moonlight on the floor, cast by the swaying branches outside. The beauty of this place is undeniable, but there's an underlying current of tension that I can't ignore.
Just before dawn, our son Eden stirs while his father Jason continues snoring, totally unaware of what's going on. Eden sits up, rubbing his eyes, and gives me a questioning look when he sees I'm already awake.
"Couldn't sleep?" He whispers, careful not to wake Jason.
I shake my head, debating whether to tell him what I heard but he's still a kid to be disturbed with adults' problems, I think. Anyway, before I can decide, there's a sharp rap on the door. It swings open to reveal one of our guards, his expression grim.
"The Council requests your presence," he announces, his voice low and stern. "All of you."
I exchange a worried glance with Eden as Jason finally stirs, sitting up groggily.
"What's going on?" Jason mumbles, running a hand through his disheveled hair.
"We'll find out soon enough," I reply, trying to keep my voice steady. "Let's go."
As we follow the guard through winding corridors, I can't shake the feeling of unease that's settled over me. The early morning light filters through the leaves above, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. Under different circumstances, I might have found it beautiful.
We emerge into a large circular clearing, where a group of elders sits in a semi-circle on intricately carved wooden thrones. Their faces are grave, antlers adorned with shimmering crystals that catch the light.
"You've been all unmasked, pathetic liars," one of the members declares right away as we penetrate a circle of guards surrounding the Council. My heart races as I try to make sense of the accusation.
"What do you mean?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
The eldest Council member, a woman with silver hair and piercing green eyes, leans forward. "We know you're not who you claim to be. You've crossed the veil between worlds, haven't you?"
Jason steps forward, his face a mask of confusion. "I'm sorry, but we don't understand. We're just a family on vacation. We-"
"Silence!" another Council member thunders, rising to his feet. "Your lies will not protect you here. We've seen the signs, felt the disturbance in the forest. You bring chaos to our realm."
Eden grabs my hand, his fingers trembling. I squeeze back, trying to offer comfort even as fear threatens to overwhelm me.
Please," I say, my voice shaking. "There must be some misunderstanding. We mean no harm."
The silver-haired woman narrows her eyes, studying us intently. "Intentional or not, your presence here threatens the delicate balance of our world. The veil between realms is not to be trifled with."
Suddenly, a commotion erupts at the edge of the clearing. A young woman with flowers braided into her hair bursts through the ring of guards, her eyes wild.
"Wait!" she cries out, rushing toward us. "Don't pass judgment yet!"
The Council members shift uneasily, murmuring among themselves. The woman reaches us, panting slightly.
"I saw them arrive," she says, gesturing to us. "It wasn't their doing. The portal opened of its own accord, pulling them through."
"Impossible," one of the Council members scoffs, but I can see uncertainty flicker across the faces of the others.
The young woman stands her ground, her chin lifted defiantly. "I speak the truth. I was tending to the moonflowers near the ancient oak when the air shimmered and tore open. These strangers fell through, confused and disoriented. They did not seek to come here."
The silver-haired woman leans back in her throne, her brow furrowed. "Elowen, you've always had a soft heart for outsiders. How can we trust your word?"
"Because I swear it on the sacred spring," Elowen replies, her voice ringing with conviction. A collective gasp rises from the assembled crowd.
I glance at Jason, seeing my own bewilderment mirrored in his eyes. Our son Eden is even more confused. What have we stumbled into? We silently interrogate ourselves. A veil between worlds? We never heard of it before.
The silver-haired woman's eyes widen at Elowen's oath. She exchanges glances with the other Council members, a silent communication passing between them. Finally, she nods slowly.
"Very well. We will investigate this matter further before deciding your fate," she says, addressing us directly. "In the meantime, you will remain under guard. Elowen, since you've taken such an interest in these strangers, you will be responsible for them."
Elowen bows her head in acknowledgment, relief evident on her face. "Thank you, Lady Arianrhod. I will ensure they cause no trouble."
As the Council members file out of the clearing, Elowen turns to us with a tentative smile. "Come," she says softly. "I'll show you to a safe place where you can rest and gather your thoughts."