Chapter Sixteen-Kenna

There was the distinct rustling of leaves a few steps ahead, just outside of the small ring of light surrounding me. I squinted, peering into the darkness until a melodic voice startled me, "So you've finally returned," she said as I sprang to my feet.

It didn't sound like it came from a specific direction, more like it was coming from all directions. I looked around, peering into the darkness in an attempt to find who the voice belonged to as I spoke, "Who are you? What do you want?" The momentary silence that followed left me feeling uneasy.

I watched in awe as thousands of fireflies appeared out of nowhere, gathering around a large, endless wall made of nothing but green leaves as they joined together and settled into a cloud of light. They began to flash in sync as they took on the shape of a woman. They flashed faster and faster, brighter and brighter until I had to use my arms to shield my eyes from the explosion of light.