Chapter Twenty-five: Mil's Maze

Mil was panting as she searched for the boys. She ran through the dark forest and called for them, but no one answered.

The memories of the witches plagued her. Their cold fingers had traveled on her skin. Sharp knives had felt hot when they had carved her flesh. Her screams for help went unanswered as the pain had surged through her body. She had heard the cries of her son as they had pierced his heart.

She crumpled to the ground as the shadows surrounded her. Tears streamed from her eyes as she glanced around in a panic.

"Golir! Rif!" She clung onto the hope of finding them and keeping them alive, something she couldn't do for her husband and son.

A warm sensation filled her heart, calming her. Memories of searching the forest with Jopp by her side crossed her mind. Back then, he was more of a shadow than a forest spirit. With every gaze, he became more vivid, as if leaving the darkness and stepping into the light. His dark eyes were always constant, revealing his inner thoughts. He loved her, though he didn't admit it.

After the ghostly moonlit dance, his trail of tears unleashed the demon plants that kept anything from entering the small graveyard. Despite being the last angel, she felt as if the world had converged against her, until she met Jopp. His determination filled her with curiosity, and she found herself following his every move.

With Tark and Jopp's energy, she was able to return in a new body, but she didn't tell anyone what she could remember. She tried to look forward to a new future with everyone, but nightmares haunted her without Jopp or Tark by her side.

Golir and Rif were a chance to fulfill her dream of having a family, and she felt drawn to Jopp in more ways than one. She was a part of his family, now. Her heart led him to her, and she didn't want to let go.

She gasped when the forest filled with a blinding yellow light. She shielded her eyes until the warm sun kissed her cheeks. She opened them and noticed Jopp was standing before her, his claws caressing her face. His dark eyes were gazing with wanton, but he froze when she caught him in the act.

He gulped before speaking. "Are you all right?" His voice was softer than usual.

Mil took his claws and squeezed them. "Jopp, help me find them. Please!"

"Rif is safe with Hekin," Jopp told her. "Golir is about to . . ."

Golir smacked into Mil's leg, his face strewn with tears. "I thought I wouldn't make it, but Jopp helped me with the mace!" He kicked Jopp's leg. "Why didn't you help me sooner?!"

Jopp chuckled as he grinned. "We all have to fend for ourselves sooner or later." He crossed his arms and huffed. "What happened to your trekker friends, hmm?"

Golir glanced around and frowned. "I don't hear them."

"I'm sure they'll come around," Mil declared. "Right, Jopp?"

He froze at the statement and forced a smile. "Yeah."

"Where's Rif?" Golir started.

Jopp grumbled as he made a path through the forest. "This way, damn meddling twit!"

"What's a twit?" Golir asked.

Jopp pulled him along. "I'll tell you when you're older."

"But I want to know now!"

"Pretend I didn't say it, then."

"But you did!"

Mil giggled as she grabbed Jopp's other claw. He held firm as his cheeks flushed a brilliant violet.

"Mil loves me, not you!" Golir blurted.

"She's a sweetheart. She loves everyone," Jopp uttered.

"She loves me more!" Golir declared.

Jopp burst with evil laughter. "We'll see about that, kid."

Golir's face soured. "You won't kill me, will you?"

Jopp winked. "I wouldn't dream of it, buddy." He flashed his fangs and grinned.