I stay where I am, looking around. Even without Eldaren here, I can’t say that the place appears dangerous. I like it. I like the green and the wildlife. I like the scent. “The air is so clean,” I say to myself, and it’s true. I can’t detect even a hint of pollution. And it’s not only the smell. The air feels different, licking across my skin in a way that seems almost alive.
I sigh contentedly. “I could get used to this,” I say. “The clean air, the vibrant forest. It’s so much healthier.” And I realize this is what Liberty is missing. Cities need forests, too. They need trees, grass, and bushes.
“Interesting. All the women in the world, and the elf prince picks you. Small wonder, I suppose, seeing you are what you are.”
I spin around. The boy who’d squabbled with Eldaren on the road yesterday is standing less than two paces away from me.
“What are you doing here?” I stare at the boy. Though ‘boy’ isn’t really a word to describe him. He looks young, my age, maybe. But there is something about his eyes that makes him seem older, something that speaks to me, pulls at me . . .
I blink and flinch. The young man grins. There’s something feral about him, though I can’t place it. Perhaps the answer to that is as simple as the fact that he’s a wild thing who lives in the woods.
“You can sense it,” he says. He’s studying me closely. “You know there’s something different about me.”
“Maybe,” I say, trying to sound casual. “Or maybe you’re just a weirdo.”
He laughs delightedly. “I already adore you,” he says. “I love a girl with spunk. They’re so much more interesting than the submissive wretches most humans are.” His voice turns musing. “Though, I suppose, that has its uses, sometimes.”
I scowl at him. “You’re not making yourself very likeable.”
“I don’t see why I should be likeable,” he says. “What do I have to gain by being kind to you?”
“Oh, I don’t know, human dignity?” I shoot back.
His smile turns secretive, and he doesn’t answer.
“Why are you here?” I ask.
“Why are you here?” he counters.
I don’t answer, glaring at him.
“All right,” he says after a moment. “I’ll ask you a different question. Why do you trust the elven prince?”
“What makes you think I do?” I ask, but it’s a fair question, if strange. “Maybe I don’t have a choice.”
“Well, you don’t have a choice but to be with him to some extent,” the stranger says with a dismissive wave of his hand. “Humans have to obey the elves. Unfortunate, but not really unexpected.”
“Yes,” I say slowly. My eyes narrow. “Humans.”
There is something strange about this boy. He looks normal enough. He’s cute, perhaps even beautiful. His face is heart-shaped, his large eyes are blue, and his honey-colored hair is a wild, perfect mess. But something is off. Something I can’t place.
“I don’t trust him entirely,” I say. “But he’s proven himself to be honorable and good. He’s trying to heal the planet.”
“Right.” The smile turns to a sneer. “Because the elves’ only reason for being here is to heal the planet. Open your eyes, Stella. They’re invaders. You really think they’ll leave once Eema is healed? They won’t. They’re planning on staying here.”
I frown. His words carry conviction, but—
“How did you know my name?” I say. “I didn’t give it to you.”
He shrugs, unfazed. “I’m an unrepentant sneak.”
I can’t help but laugh. “I believe it.”
The young man flashes another smile and settles on the ground next to the stump. “But my words are true. You know the elves are here to stay. And if they weren’t, what would that entail for you, Stella? Starlight. Would you stay, or would you go?”
I hug my arms about myself. It feels chilly all of a sudden. What would happen? It never occurred to me that Eldaren might leave. I mean, it has crossed my mind, but I’ve never thought of it seriously.
And if he left, I have no doubt that he’ll take me with him.
I might never see Earth again.
“Cold, Stella?” The boy’s smile is wry.
“Why are you asking me such questions?” I say. “What’s your place in all of this?”
“What is our place in anything?” The stranger flops backward, looking up at the sky.
“What’s your name?”
“You may call me Bren.”
“Call you?” I say. “Is that not your real name, then?”
He laughs. “You’re a sharp one, Stella. No, it isn’t. I don’t suppose there are many who know my true name. There is power in names. I wouldn’t be foolish enough to give it to just anyone.” He eyes me sideways, his gaze speculative. “And I take my words back. You’re not as ugly as I initially thought.”
I cringe. “Um, thanks?”
He grimaces. “Sorry, I suppose. That was rude, but I already—” he cuts off suddenly, red rising to his cheeks. “Never mind.” He sits up. “Anyway, I want you to do something for me. Get the prince out of here.”
“You mean the forest, specifically? Or the island?”
“Yes, and yes. He doesn’t belong here. His very presence offends me.”
“Why?” I press. “You’re asking a lot and not giving me much to go off of.”
Bren’s head snaps up, turning in the direction Eldaren had gone. “Rot,” he mutters. “Here he comes again.”
Then he’s gone, slipping away through the trees so quickly that if I’d blinked, I probably would have missed his departure completely.
Eldaren comes striding up. “It was as I suspected,” he said. “There were two guards. It was a simple matter, sneaking past them and going further to discover their hideout. It’s not really a hideout, though. It’s a large community that goes throughout the forest. I suspect they live all over the island. It appears pulled together, so I have no reason not to think this isn’t the clan called the Shore Watch.”
“How far from the Inn?” I ask.
“I’d say three miles,”
