Roses and Thorns

Deep in the Glade, on the first new moon of the harvest...
There was no struggle. No scream. Nothing that could have tipped me off.
Just a goodbye beforehand, a simple one- I'll see you in a few minutes.
I'll be back in a few hours.
A few hours later was not simple.
A few hours later was black blood and birds calling out and then utter, desolate silence.
Thus my investigation began.

Cover by @AwsomeDragons

WARNING: THIS STORY IS A SEQUEL TO THE GARDENKEEPER'S DAUGHTERS AND PREQUEL TO DOUBLE RAINBOW AND THE CITIES HAVE FALLEN. IN THE VEIN OF ALL DREAMLAND SERIES BOOKS, IT IS CAPABLE OF STANDING ON ITS OWN, BUT CERTAIN WORLDBUILDING ELEMENTS AND CHARACTERS DESCRIBED IN OTHER BOOKS WILL BE REFERENCED HERE AND MAY NOT BE UNDERSTOOD BY NEW READERS.
I AM MORE THAN HAPPY TO EXPLAIN ANY EVENTS FROM PREVIOUS BOOKS OVER PM FOR THOSE WHO WOULD LIKE TO DIVE INTO MY NEWER, MORE POLISHED WORKS WITHOUT SLOGGING THROUGH THE OLD ONES.