Blackfeather Woods We're driving in a black car

I don't see them, riña, she murmured gently, following the direction of his squint. She shifted on her paws, squinting herself—as if the action could somehow will them into existence for her, too. Yet. . .nothing. I've not taken the poi-son, she repeated, slower this time, so that he could really grasp onto the word. Not slow enough to make him feel stupid, though.

Maegi was about to explain the properties of the tree (so far as she was aware) when Anansi cried out, startling her. Fur bristling, she returned his look with a sharp glance of her own. What do you see, now? she asked, voice growing less gentle. It's in your imagination, Anansi. The poison enters your mind, makes you see things that others do not.

Sucking in a deep, steadying breath, she let her muzzle drift gently over the crown of his head, if he allowed the touch. It's all right, the Melonii whispered to her son. Nothing here can hurt you. Just promise me that you'll keep your distance from the tree.

Ha. Fat chance of that. It seemed the boy had inherited her own curiosity, gods help him.