Chapter 34.2

Ronan swallowed, the fear dodging his pulled muscles and climbing into his mind. He was following a stranger to save a stranger, and now he was honestly doubting his logic as he came upon the side of the potentially dangerous person and flashed him a timid smile.

"This might sound weird... But can I have that rock back?"

The man remained silent, his violet eyes focused ahead with an ease of comfort. Ronan wasn't even paid a glimpse as the man slowed his strides to match his, the grass only crunching under Ronan's soft and soggy socks. Every step drew closer to the wall of rich green, a mass of emerald shadows filled with death for those who rarely trod it. Ronan had already learned his lesson about crossing its threshold without permission, and didn't need seconds.

His voice spiked with an involuntary crack. "Please, I know it might sound crazy, but my friend is in there. I need it back."

The man finally stopped a foots-length from the first poking tree branch, the swaying grass aroun