The Woods

Chapter Thirty

The days passed with few eventful things occurring. Drake or one of the others must've told a few others about me, for whenever I came across people, they stared and whispered. I tried to ignore them, but it was difficult; even when it seemed I was alone, I could sense someone watching.

None of the others had tried to test whatever power I might've had; it seemed they were certain only the Woods' master would know what to do. Or perhaps they didn't want to risk something going wrong.

But the day for Cain and I to leave finally came, and as soon as I finished my breakfast and dressed, I met him in the throne room. He was talking to Merilyn and Casper, seeming to be giving instructions for when he was gone.

As soon as he was finished, they quickly left, presumably to attend to whatever tasks they had. Cain smiled at me before holding out a hand.

"The master's home is too far to walk; we must travel by magic."

I took his hand. "How come you didn't use magic all those other times you travelled?" I asked, earning a chuckle.

"I take the chance to see my people; or rather, for them to see me. It sends a message." He pulled me towards him and added, "Hold on."

A scream ripped through my throat at the sudden sensation of falling. I clung to him as wind whipped at my hair, and a glance at him made me scowl at the sight of his amused expression. But the wind and falling stopped before I could say anything, and I suddenly found that we were in the middle of the Woods.

The trees were thicker in this area, casting dark shadows around us. Cain let me go and I turned to see a massive tower a few metres from us. It was made of black stone that gleamed dully. Vines climbed up the sides, disappearing past the treetops.

"He lives in the tower?" I asked once my heart stopped pounding. Cain nodded, leading the way towards the massive structure.

He knocked on the wall, and I noticed there was no door. However, the stones shifted, folding away as if they were fabric, to form an entrance. On the threshold stood a man in black robes, who bowed lowly to Cain.

"Your Majesty, it is wonderful to see you again." He rose and smiled warmly. For being Fae, he looked . . . old. He was the first of their kind that I saw who had wrinkles. How old was he? "Come in and Anwir will make a pot of tea."

I silently followed Cain, glancing back to see the stones moving back and closing the entrance.

The tower truly was massive, having a large room with plush chairs and settees arranged around a small table. In one corner, a man stood at a table, filling a pot with water and tea leaves. I could only assume he was Anwir.

"Please, take a seat." Cain and I sat on a settee, opposite the man, who smiled at me. "Young Fida, I have heard a lot about you. My name is Maalik. As you know, I control the Woods."

I had no idea what to say. "You control what girl is chosen?"

"Yes." I had so many questions, but something told me that Cain didn't want me to ask them. "So, Your Majesty, she is demi-Fae?"

"Indeed. Her mother was Ash Cawther from the Wolf House."

"I see. And has she shown any signs of magic?"

As Cain answered, Anwir poured us cups of tea, which I gratefully accepted. He smiled at me, which I returned, even though something about him . . . unnerved me. He looked normal enough, having dark hair and the appearance of the Fae. After a moment, I realised that it was because he had no animalistic feature. He looked mortal, other than an air he had about him.