Ravensblood Forest and out in the woods lighting struck

She might need help, Maegi answered in response to Mou's silent body language beside her. But no matter, they were well on their way, and it wasn't long before a voice came to her—Kigipigak?

A name? A prayer? Whoever spoke was not pale enough to show through the trees, and so she squinted, slowing her pace and moving cautiously forward. Stay here a moment, she said to her husband, then gave the children a gimlet look. Stay with your father.

Her tone would not be disobeyed, and once satisfied they were going nowhere, Maegi continued on a little faster, heart beginning to pick up pace. She didn't like it here; it reminded her too much of Blackfeather Woods, and she suddenly yearned for the sea—

Movement, and a flash of sun-dappled mahogany pelt. Same as. . .

Her mouth went dry; she was seeing ghosts. She had buried her son and yet here he was, and not a hair out of place. But—but wait.

No.

The trees began to spin around her, even as her gaze fixed firm on the figure just ahead.