Ravensblood Forest there is a light that turns on when you’re feeling alone

The first few words out of his mouth made Treepie stiffen, apprehension washing through her like a wave. When he informed her she neither looked nor smelled right, she went downright rigid. She made no reply, though her lips parted on a quiet gasp as pain—bright and sharp, like a hot knife—spliced through her skull. She slammed her eyes shut.

When the agony retreated somewhat and she reopened them, Pie discovered that she was on the ground. She didn’t attempt to right herself. Only her head moved, the white sclerae visible in her eyes as she peered up at the unfamiliar wolf. She trembled a little.

Voice gone a little thready, Pie thought aloud, Yes, this is Bramblepoint. I mean, it has to be. Her brow furrowed, as if not convinced by her own words. That was Alaric who just returned my howl. We’re going to see my newborn siblings at the caldera today. We only stopped here to spend the night. We’re from… well. She paused, this time to fight a frown and a sigh before acknowledging, We used to live at Moonspear but our village is no more.

She hadn’t really addressed his other remarks, nor the elephant in the room. Pie drew in a breath, hoping to steady the shivering in her muscles. It was making her teeth chatter, a noise which he could probably hear. Tiuttuk didn’t want him to know just how vulnerable she felt—how vulnerable she was—right now. They didn’t even know each other’s names.

I’m Treepie, by the way, and… I’m a little under the weather, she fibbed. Probably just a little worn out from traveling and everything else that’s happened.