The Scent of Lilac: An Arrow's Flight Novella by Casey Hays

Author:Casey Hays [Hays, Casey]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Whispering Pages, LLC
Published: 2016-09-17T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

B

laer doesn’t take the path that leads back to the hogans, and she doesn’t turn toward the Pit, either. Instead, once we’re free from the clearing, she cuts back around the perimeter and heads toward the west end. I don’t say a word as I follow, my curiosity rising just enough to keep me two paces behind her. Only when we’re standing in front of Mona’s cabin do I lift my brows. Blaer tosses me a cheeky smile.

“This is our meeting place.”

My fingers tighten on the edge of the dish. “For what?”

Without another word, she climbs the wooden steps and pushes open the door. I don’t move as she disappears inside. I’ve never been this close to the Village leader’s cabin. I wouldn’t dare think of it. And yet… Blaer walks in as if she owns it herself. What is she thinking?

I scan the skies, a nervous tingling pricking me. Are the Moirai watching? Will they send the Council? And what will they do if they find us here?

Blaer pokes her head out and peers at me. “Are you coming?”

“What are you doing, Blaer? Have you lost your mind?” I shake my head, a real concern for her safety enveloping me. “This is sacred ground.”

She emits a soft laugh and steps out onto the porch. “Hardly. There’s nothing in here but a big, empty room now.”

I think on this. Out of respect to her memory, everything that belonged to Mona was burned after her death to prevent anyone else from ever using it. The flames from the bonfire were so tall they seemed to lick the clouds, and they left a smoky haze that lasted for hours. That was three days before her burial. Still, traipsing into this place without any kind of regard feels wrong. I shuffle my feet uncomfortably.

“Don’t worry, Mia.” Blaer takes a step and curls her bare toes over the edge of the top step. “Nobody has come here in weeks. And since we have no official council leader yet, we have no reason to fear being here.”

“But…” My fingers flex against the dish. “What of the Moirai?”

She crosses her arms over her chest. “This is precisely why we’re here.”

Her words only confuse me further. She skips down the steps and takes my arm. “Now standing out here in the open… this is the danger. Come on.”

Nerves rattling, I let her lead me up the steps.

“Here we are, girls.”

“It’s about time.”

A harsh whisper from the shadows. I blink rapidly, hoping to adjust to the sudden darkness.

“Who’s with you?” I ask Blaer.

“A few like-minded friends,” she answers with a hopeful skip in her voice. “We’ve been waiting for the perfect time to approach the rebel breeder’s best friend. When I saw you helping your mate cross the river, I knew it had arrived.”

I hardly have time to digest this before one of the girls throws a blanket over a rack hanging above the one window to shield us from outside eyes, and a candle flares to life.

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