The Heartwood the dark half

her days were blended with her nights; she knew she had been wandering for at least a moon, if not more, but that was the barest bit of logic to which vuk was able to cling. her mouth whispered nonsense that her mind did not consider as she walked, moving across the lands until she dropped from exhaustion, or until her body forced her to seek meat and water. raas was alternately cursed and praised by vuk, who had seemingly lost all reason.

that night found her in a dead place, ash rising with each footfall to coat her guard hairs and rattle a cough in her throat. it is what you deserve, the girl told herself, laughing hoarsely in the darkness.