The Woods

Chapter Thirty-Eight

People rushed forward to try remove the massive stones that buried half the crowd, but I could only stand there and gape. The stone roof that had collapsed was thick – it would not have collapsed on its own.

The stones were too heavy to be moved, and the wails from those being crushed were met with those of their loved ones who could do nothing.

"Look away, Fida," Cain said quietly. But I couldn't. I watched as Lord Cawther and Lord Benroy walked towards the large stones, using their magic in sync. One would freeze the rocks while the other would melt the ice – causing them to break, I realised. Slowly, others from the Wolf and Lion Houses joined them.

The people seemed to catch on to what the lords were doing, and began to carry the now smaller rocks away. It was a painfully slow progress, and I knew the people buried further in would not be saved in time.

The thought of death made my stomach churn, so I turned my head away, breathing heavily to settle my stomach.

"There is nothing that will lift the rocks faster?" I asked.

"No," Cain replied quietly. "Some have magic that allows them to lift objects, but none of them can lift things as heavy as those rocks. And if they are not removed carefully, as the lords are doing, the whole thing will shift and collapse on itself."

"The catacombs did not collapse by itself," I murmured, more to myself than anything. His eyes met mine, and it was clear he thought the same thing. But who would do it? Was it the same person who attacked before? Was this person responsible for all the previous vine attacks as well?

"Come, I'm taking you back." Cain left no room for argument, and used his magic to bring us to the surface. The sun had long set, and the Woods was now bathed in darkness. But in that darkness . . .

When I did not follow Cain, he turned to see what I was staring at. Hundreds of vines were withdrawing from the hole that led to the catechisms. After a few minutes, they slithered away into the Woods.

"They controlled the vines to collapse it," I said quietly.

"Come, Fida." Cain grabbed my arm and we suddenly were falling. I didn't have time to scream before we stood outside my room. I blinked in surprise; my thoughts having distracted me.

"Isn't Maalik the one who controls the vines?" I asked, grabbing his arm before he walked away.

He shook off my grip. "Go to bed, Fida. Do not leave your room tonight."

And then he was gone. Likely returning to the catacombs to help the others. I stared at the spot that he stood at just seconds ago.

He had avoided my question.

***

I awoke the next morning to fat beams of sunlight streaming through the windows. Hissing at myself for forgetting to close them, I found myself looking at the small clock on the dresser – it was almost noon.

It surprised me that Lord Cawther hadn't sent for me. But perhaps with all the work from the night prior, he was exhausted. He would've had to use his magic all night to break down the pile.

I shuddered as I remembered the screams of those being crushed, and was quick to shove the memory away. I had remained in my room, as Cain ordered, even though I felt something in the castle. I didn't know what it was; only that it called me. Not with words, but with essence.

My blood went cold with the memory, and I was suddenly grateful for the beams of sunlight that warmed my skin.

I was quick to bathe and dress, but hesitated with my hand on the doorknob. I no longer felt whatever was in the castle the night before, but it felt as if something lingered – a grime of sorts left behind.