Chapter 36: The Search for Hades’ Past

Naomi POV

“You know your way around, Naomi,” Patch commented while they walked through the ancient grove. “Are you sure you haven’t been in wood elf territory before?”

“No, but I’ve always wanted to go.”

So many varieties of trees! So much natural lore to learn. 

In human form, Patch patted her on the back. “Other than Kyon and Azandra, I’d say you would be the likeliest one to visit. Cyran too, you know, before he went bonkers.”

“PATCH,” Anneliese hissed. 

“He admits it, Annie!”

Naomi stopped dead, kicking up some fallen leaves. She hunched over, trying not to cry.

SMACK! “Patch, look what you did! You apologize.”

Patch reeled from Anneliese’s slap on his arm. 

Naomi shook so badly she had to sit down on the forest floor. “Hades,” she whispered.

Patch squatted close to her and held her shoulders. “Breathe,” he said in a gentler voice. “Cyran needs you to be calm.”