Blackfeather Woods home, home again

She felt a pang at his remark; this was never going to be easy. She didn't want to hide him away like a fugitive, or a naughty child. He deserved to have the same kind of freedom as they all did. But the past was the past, and he had done terrible things. Terrible things he'd yet to be forgiven for, apparently.

It won't be forever, Maegi said, although her voice was weak. She couldn't promise that, not definitely. Only until they forget. Only until we make it clear that the woods now are not what they were before. That we're not evil or cruel.

She sighed. I'm sorry, Mou, she murmured. I wish it was different. And it will be one day. But for now, you have to stay in the woods. Please, can you do it for me? I can't bear to lose you—I love you. It was the most impassioned speech she'd made in a long time—perhaps in her entire life. She hoped it was effective.