The Pendant of Hyacinth: Illuminated

By Riley S. Quinn

Embarking on the final leg of their journey, Hazel, Arael and Thalia boldly venture into the depths of The Subconscious Forest. But a dark force lurks within, waiting in the shadows of the trees... and their minds. While The Conscious Realm faces its own harrowing challenges, the trio must battle far more than Nightmares to save it. Thalia is fo

• Language: English
• Publisher: Riley S. Quinn
• Release date: Nov 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088267431

Book preview

Book Three:

Illuminated

Chapter One

The Subconscious Forest

Thalia had ducked between the trunks of these trees before. She had slipped under their branches, and picked her way through the ferns of the undergrowth. She knew the way into the forest well enough. Some people debated where the Subconscious really began; the trees growing in Eos were part of this forest, but they were different. Even past the glade, beyond the last buildings, where the canopy only started to blot out the sky, it still just felt like the woods.

A few strides beyond that, travelers lost sight of the sun. Further still, and the little light that did manage to slip through the leaves twinkled far above like stars. How far above? The trees had gotten so much taller by then. Then, just a little past where the stars fizzled out, came total darkness. A darkness so dense you could feel it, pressing in from all directions as you struggled through the maze of roots and shrubs, feeling your way from tree to tree, already forgetting what daylight looked like. Which is where Thalia, Arael, and Hazel found themselves now.

This isn’t what I expected, Thalia heard Hazel mumble from somewhere behind her. She was leading the way, her bright eyes the only spots of light besides their Companions-- but even their magical glowing bodies had dimmed here. Swan and Jackalo flew close by, but Hazel had tucked Strudel into their backpack to spare his tiny legs from the long journey. I mean, I did expect it to be dark, but… well, I guess I’ve never really been in a forest.

I don’t know what I expected, Arael’s voice followed Hazel’s, coming from somewhere to her left. Well, left-ish. Or so she guessed. Could be worse, though, right? She heard him trip over something.

You okay?

A quick rustling as he jumped to his feet. Totally!

Hazel usually would’ve laughed, but they were preoccupied with their alien surroundings. Is it gonna be like this the whole way there? There. An easy word to use when one had no idea where they were going.

It won’t, Thalia answered with confidence.

After some silence, Arael piped up again. Thalia, how far in here have you gone?

Far enough to know what’s on the other side of all this. She patted a tree as she passed it, so the other two were aware to dodge. Trust me. When we get to the Subconscious, the real Subconscious, you’ll know.

Arael and Hazel might have shared a look here, if either of them could see anything. But they could not, so they took Thalia’s words as they were given and trekked on, following the dim green glow of her eyes, which illuminated the dewy air around her head like a halo.

The darkness yawned ahead of them, and followed close behind them. Intangible though it may have been, somehow it felt like it was getting closer. Every time their eyes almost adjusted, deeper into the void they seemed to descend. It felt like hours, inching through the trees; stumbling and calling out to make sure they were all still there. It very well might have been longer, but there was no way to tell. If any of them thought about turning back, it remained a thought. None ever dared express it. And so on they went, for a very long time.

Hazel saw it first.

Light.

Their first instinct was panic. The sun? Had they been going in circles? Maybe. How would they know? No, Thalia, she would know. Right? Unless things had changed in here since she last entered. Was that possible? Maybe this had been a stupid plan. But what other options did they have?! They couldn’t keep fighting the Nightmare Crisis the way they had been, it didn’t work, it didn’t--!

There it is. Thalia’s voice was steady. Certain. She turned back to look at the other two, and they could see a faint mauve glow illuminating the far side of her face. Nothing like the gold of the sun. She was smiling. Ready to get closer?

Arael squeezed Hazel’s shoulder, and they jumped a little at the sudden touch. They hadn’t even realized how tense they’d gotten until they looked up at him. There he was, clearer now in the dusky light, reassuring them without words. Oh. Okay. This was working. This was going to work. They took a deep breath and shook out their arms. Ready when you are, boss.

Thalia laughed, climbing atop a shockingly large geode, framed by a barrier of especially thick trees. They seemed so much taller here than back in Eos. You don’t have to call me that, you know. You’re technically not even a knight, so… I’d say your work is more of the freelance variety.

I’m still not a knight? Hazel pouted. What else do I have to do at this point?

Arael sighed, nudging them along. Why does it matter, Hazel?

Esme’s a knight.

Esme grew up in Fantasy. It makes sense for her. You hadn’t even been beyond Slope’s End when we met, and that wasn’t as long ago as you probably think.

Aww, don’t crush their spirit so early in the trip, Ari. Thalia pulled Hazel up to the top of the geode, and held their hand as they slid down the other side, into a patch of knee-high ferns. They instantly knelt to inspect the massive flora as Thalia pulled Arael over after them. I could knight them if I wanted to.

Yeah, Ari! Hazel crowed back, their tone only slightly mean. The fact that he had a sentimental nickname was too funny not to use against him now and again.

Arael slid down the other side of the geode and reached up to help Thalia down. But you don’t want to, or you would have already.

Don’t be so sure. Sometimes I’m just waiting for the right moment. Her boots hit the ground, and Hazel watched in fascination as the ferns around them rippled in response, undulating as if time had slowed down.

Ever the strategist, I see, Arael grumbled, but the act broke when she smiled her agreement.

My timing is perfect, always, she whispered, sticking out her chin. You act like I haven’t managed to thoroughly romance you back into my arms within the past month. That’s very efficient.

So efficient, Arael whispered, smiling wider.

Does that mean you’re gonna knight me after all, Thalia? Hazel plucked a fern leaf, rolled it up like a scroll, and tucked it into their bag to get a better look at once they reached the brighter world not far ahead. Thalia didn’t answer, and Hazel didn’t need to turn back and stare to know it was because she and Arael were making goo-goo eyes at each other. Gross. Sweet! But gross.

You’d be doing the same if Esme were here, Swan cooed, and Hazel heard Jackalo snicker from somewhere in the branches above. Hazel ducked their head, poking at the ferns again to watch them sway.

C’mon, guys. But it was true; it had been difficult not to let their mind wander back to her. Gosh, how had Arael survived this many years missing someone? It hadn’t even been a day, and they already felt crazy. To be fair to themself, though, this was the first time they’d ever been… romanced. Hazel grinned. Esme had kissed them.

Arael cleared his throat behind them, and the sharp sound pulled them from the fond recollection. W-we should keep moving, right? Time-sensitive matter, and all that. Hazel got back to their feet and watched him rush ahead. Even now, they could see his ears were bright red.

Hazel smiled back at Thalia. She smoothed her ponytail with a cough. What? He’s right, let’s move.

Were you guys kissing?

Hazel.

That’s a yes. They skipped after Arael, and Thalia followed with a shake of her head. Swan soared down from the canopy and landed on Thalia’s arm. It’s been a good while. When do you plan to set up camp?

Already tired?

I am a Dream. I do not tire from the mere passage of time, I simply ask for the sake of you three. She paused. Well, mostly those two, actually. I’m surprised they aren’t ready to drop after that whole effort, with a nod back to the pitch blackness behind them.

Not to worry. Thalia hopped over a decaying log and picked up her pace. I think they’re about to feel quite refreshed by the view.

She caught up with them in a sudden clearing, devoid of trees or undergrowth of any variety. Beyond it, thick, curling vines rustled, like a curtain concealing the glowing world beyond. Hazel and Arael turned away from it, back to her, faces expectant. She stepped forward, and, acting on instinct, closed one of her hands around each of theirs. Um, she began, rather awkwardly, before we go any further. She nudged at the earth with the toe of her boot. I want to thank you both.

Thank us? Hazel asked.

Us? Arael repeated, astounded to be included.

Thalia nodded. I… ahem. Well. She rubbed her thumbs over the back of their hands. I guess it may seem silly, but I haven’t felt this happy in a long time. Sure, the world is kind of ending, but Hazel, you’ve inspired hope in me like I haven’t had in ages. Arael. She smiled at him. I don’t even remember the last time I felt so understood.

He squeezed her hand.

And ultimately, I haven’t felt this safe in forever. Even now. Even here.

Hazel let go of her hand and hugged her instead. Arael was quick to follow, and she wrapped her arms around them tightly. Okay, team.

Dream Team, Hazel piped up.

Thalia rolled her eyes, but she was smiling. Dream Team, she corrected. Are you ready to save the world?

I was sitting at a desk doing paperwork three months ago, Arael mumbled, right as Hazel let out a whooping cheer.

Let’s go! Hazel sprinted ahead, cutting their way through the wall of vines with a swish. They staggered to a halt on the other side, only barely managing to regain their balance at the last moment. They stood upright, slack-jawed, and stared.

So this was the Subconscious Forest.

The trees towered, larger than the palace of Knowledge Terrace, coated in pearly moss and glowing blue mushrooms. They soared up to the sky, but… the sky. Hazel leaned back, dazzled. It wasn’t the sky. It wasn’t even leaves, or branches. It looked like the ocean. Undulating waves of ultramarine, lilac, and jade lapped around the trunks of the trees, and passed overhead in whooshing currents-- like the clouds over Creativity before storm season truly began. What might’ve seemed like seafoam in any other context descended from the waves and drifted through the air above like lacy mist.

They lowered their gaze, following the wisps of it down to the world at their height. Ferns that rippled like the ones they’d seen before, but large enough in scale for them to duck below the leaves and rest in their shade. These geodes grew to looming heights as well, and came in more colors than the lake-blue ones in Eos. Some here were almost purple, or green, or a shade of indigo so rich it looked black. The crystals merged with the roots of the trees, cropping out of the creeks that snaked around their massive trunks. Even the water in those little rivers looked just slightly out of time, and the directions they flowed changed every time Hazel looked away. Hazel knelt beside one, breathless, and reached to dip their hand in. The water pulled away from their touch at first, then flowed against it almost hesitantly. Hazel watched, mesmerized, as it seemed to explore the creases of their hand before returning to its prior abnormal flow.

Thalia pulled Arael through the vines and into the hazy purple light. He held her hand tighter when he saw it all. Oh. He turned around in slow circles, just trying to take it in. This is real? Thalia laughed. Of course that would be the first question to fall from his mouth at such a sight. He gaped at the floating sea above them, and then down at her. This is real.

She smiled, looking slightly smug when she did. Go ahead. Tell me I was right.

I… He stood there blinking, searching for words. Of-- yeah. Of course. Obviously, I-- obviously. He gestured at the alien world surrounding them. You were right. He shook his head. I don’t understand why you didn’t just drag me in here to prove your point back then.

Thalia shrugged. She could have, had she wanted to, but what would have changed? The issue at hand had not been belief. It wasn’t really about that.

His face fell. Yeah, I know.

She bumped her forehead to his. Good thing we’re better at talking about our feelings now, right?

He pressed closer to her. Right. Then, added on in a rush, I’ll be better going forward. I’ll listen.

I know. And I will too, okay?

He shook his head. I doubt you could get more perfect. He leaned down, but her hand stopped him.

Woah, woah, woah, she grinned. I already kissed you back by that fern patch. How much wooing do you think we actually have time for? We’re on a mission. Arael frowned against her hand, and she laughed as she stepped away. Come on, let’s go catch up with Hazel.

Thalia walked away, but Arael stood rooted to the spot just a little longer. He was still astounded by the sheer scale of the trees here. That something could grow so tall without crashing down to the earth… well, he supposed it was no different than the palace towers of home. Of course anything that could be built could just as easily be grown, especially in a place like this. He should have brought something to write down what he was witnessing, but he’d been afraid to believe it was even possible. Of course it was.

Now he saw it for himself.

He loved Thalia, he believed her, but he struggled to visualize what wasn’t directly before his eyes. Maybe that’s why he’d done better in history after visiting Fantasy, all those years ago. His musings were cut short when Thalia suddenly came running back to him and pulled him down by the collar of his new shirt to kiss him herself. He leaned into it, surprised but delighted, until she broke away with a small gasp. I’m not perfect. In any capacity. But I can’t deny I like that you think I am. She smoothed the braids by her ears, fiddling with the moonstone hair cuffs adorning them as she beamed up at him. I’m just… glad. She ducked her head and laughed. I’m glad we’re doing this again. Properly.

Me too, Arael replied, breathless.

And the thing I said about the kissing, that was a joke. She patted his shoulders. Mission or no mission, I like it. So. Just wanted to clarify that.

But we should still watch ourselves, Arael chuckled. For Hazel’s sake.

Thalia sighed, conceding. I suppose that’s only fair. Don’t want to make them miss Esme too much.

Esme? Hazel’s head popped up from behind a distant fern. What about Esme?

Arael and Thalia fell into a fit of childish giggles. Nothing, nothing! Thalia called, waving off their curiosity, but the couple’s laughter was enough to make Hazel come running back to prod. Hey! Tell me! That’s not fair, I’m team leader so I should know!

Team leader? Thalia pursed her lips. If I remember correctly, we usurped you back in Eos.

Hazel gasped. Such disrespect!

You happily traded your role for a shopping trip, Arael shrugged, backing Thalia up.

Hazel crossed their arms and huffed. Well, then, maybe lead the mission instead of snuggling up to Arael when I’m not looking.

Ooh! Thalia staggered back as if she’d been stabbed. Brutal!

True! Hazel crowed, jabbing a finger in her direction. And you know it!

Thalia laughed. Okay, yes, I suppose that’s fair. Gosh, I fear I have a choice ahead of me: revoke my role as leader and return it to Hazel so I may ‘snuggle up’ in peace, or continue along this noble path and lose my true love… oh, the humanity.

Aww, come on, Thalia. I was joking. You don’t have to pick! Hazel nudged her with their elbow. I mean, how long is this even gonna take? We’ll be back to our old lives in a matter of weeks, if this works. They smiled through gritted teeth. Aren’t you excited?

The air around them grew heavy. None of them acknowledged it, though. They of course had families they missed. Homes to return to. But the part of this that had been so exciting was not the finality of saving the world. Secretly, selfishly, they were all just happy to have time together. Buried far beneath Hazel’s excitement, though, guilt still gnawed with persistence. Perhaps the Conscious would be safer now that they had departed from it.

The Subconscious glowed around them, its distant hum permeating the silence. And though it had no eyes, it watched them all carefully. Waiting for something. Hazel felt it more than the other two, but once again, said nothing.

Let’s get moving, then, Thalia spoke up, and Hazel and Arael agreed. Their boots crunched against the earth, littered in tiny crystal fragments, some of which stuck to the soles of their shoes and twinkled between strides. Slowly, the mist falling from above grew thicker, and not long after, the trio, along with their Companions, had vanished into the luminous void of the Subconscious.

Chapter Two

Our Own Perceptions

The light never dimmed, nor did it grow brighter. Thalia told them both that was to be expected, since the Subconscious was not illuminated by the sun. So they pressed on for hours, through a neverending dusk. Arael actually liked it much better. Sometimes the sun was too harsh, and the total darkness he’d long grown used to only frustrated him when he couldn’t sleep. The glow of the bioluminescent plants and fungi, climbing the trees or scattered across the ground, created dappled patterns of light, like the sun would have in the forest closer to town. But still. Softer. Arael ran his hand along a fern leaf as the group walked, and watched it undulate under his touch with amazement. To think a place like this had existed, and he’d never known. He looked up. Thalia and Hazel were chatting up ahead. She looked different here. Was that in his head?

Jackalo did too, though. And Swan, and Strudel. He couldn’t place why. More stars in their coats? More colors? Jackalo felt Arael staring up at him from the world below, and coasted down to fly alongside him. What do you think?

Arael shook his head. It’s beautiful.

Indeed. He swooped down to the ground, then up again, and Arael watched as the faint, rippling light from the ocean in the sky was refracted in the lilac feathers of his wings. Can you feel it, though?

Feel it? Arael was too mesmerized by the light show to fully process the question. But out of nowhere, the light flickered out of Jackalo’s wings as he dove towards the earth. Arael jumped back as he landed, and Jackalo rose from the ground in a cloud of purple haze to his full, human height. He turned back to Arael and held his arms out, smiling wide. The magic is much richer here.

He must have been right, because he was much more vivid than Arael had ever seen him in this form. The purple tint to his skin and hair were gone, his eyes the blue they had been long ago. The stars had vanished completely from his body, and when he moved towards Arael, he was as clear as any living man would be.

I bet I could hold this form for hours in here.

Hazel heard his voice, but it wasn’t echoing in their head the way it usually did, which compelled them to turn back and inspect. They gasped, and tugged on Thalia’s sleeve. Jackalo?!

Jackalo glanced back at them and waved. Hazel. I’ve been here the whole time, no need to greet me.

Showoff, Swan grumbled. I could do that too.

Are you jealous?

Of course not. I can call Hazel’s attention without parlor tricks like that.

Hazel suddenly lit up, whirling back to Swan. You can do that too?!

Thalia smiled at her Companion expectantly, and Swan sighed. Fine. She floated to the ground and rose again from the emerald cloud that surrounded her, tossing her long, silver-green locs behind her with a flourish. You may behold my radiance.

Hazel must have oohed and ahed the appropriate amount, because a proud smile bloomed on Swan’s lined face. Jackalo scoffed. I’m not so sure I’m the real showoff here.

Please, Swan retorted. One must treat oneself with the appropriate theatrics.

So I was too theatrical, or not theatrical enough?

Swan shrugged. I suppose that is up to your own judgment. We are all led about life by our own perceptions, are we not?

Hazel’s brow furrowed. What’s that mean?

Swan turned to them. We all see the world, and ourselves, through the lens of our own understanding. For example, I rarely choose to return to this form because I have already come to perceive myself more as a Dream. Jack, on the other hand, still seems to return to his old appearance from time to time. He does not view his lifetimes as separate. I do. With that, she flourished her arm and reverted to her Companion form, taking to the air once more.

Oh. Hazel clutched their pendant, watching her soar away. That’s pretty interesting. What was their understanding of things? They seemed to change their mind every day. Hm.

She can turn everything into a lesson in philosophy, can’t she? Jackalo strode ahead, stopping at Hazel’s side. Keep in mind she’s over a century old by now, Hazel; you’ve got time to figure things out.

Hazel clenched their jaw. Do I, though?

He went quiet, thinking about it. For once, he didn’t want to give an honest answer. I guess that’ll depend.

Hazel looked up at him, expression hopeless. On what, though?

Jackalo stepped back a few yards and stretched his arms out once more. On how cool you think this is. That familiar cloud of starry smoke went up around him, but it shot much higher than it had before, and pushed outward in a gust of wind that felt almost familiar to Hazel. It knocked them back into Thalia, who caught them, having better stood her ground; and when it cleared, their jaw dropped.

Jackalo’s wings unfurled, casting grand, saturated shadows over the surrounding forest. They sprawled through the air, a wingspan comparable to the size of Hazel’s house, before he burst out of the mist in the full glory of his Wild form. The little horns usually lost beneath the tuft of fur on his forehead arched and curled upwards, his back and chest coated in massive feathers much sleeker than the down that covered them in his Companion state. Swan, how is this for the appropriate theatrics?

Hazel ran forward, and he bent down so they could rest their hands on his nose. You’re big.

That’s the general idea.

This is what Strudel did. Hazel ran their palms over his starry face. How are you doing this?

It’s like I told Arael. The magic is richer here.

We’re in our element, quite literally, Swan added. Everything around us now is made of the same substance we are. That’s why we’re capable of more in the Subconscious, and why we can change our shape with more success. There’s more to draw from.

Everything here is magic?

Thalia nodded. Or, at the very least, imbued with the stuff. That’s what makes everything in here glow. Hazel shrugged off their backpack and lifted Strudel out, setting him down on the ground next to Jackalo. Strudel plopped onto his side in the loam quite happily, evidently not as anxious to impress Hazel as his starry friends. Jackalo shrunk back down to his usual shape to sit beside him. So the magic is what makes you able to do that? Hazel asked.

Yes, dear. Swan flew to sit on the other side of Strudel. Usually the energy we put into our bonds with your kind is all we can manage, at least without active effort. Here, we are limitless.

But Strudel. Hazel pointed at him. He was doing it all the way in Knowledge Terrace. He did it in Eos, too. How did he--?

He is bonded to you.

So?

Swan nodded to the pendant. If The Pull can sustain an entire realm, what makes you think that tiny fragment around your neck, the same one giving you abilities beyond your imagination, would not also affect your Companion? You realized it yourself. It’s a shard of pure magic.

Thalia glanced at Hazel. They had gone still. Oh, they whispered. I… that makes sense. They laughed, just a little. Wow. Gosh, when things make sense these days, it feels like a treat. Every day the pendant did something more. Where would its abilities end? Certainly somewhere. If they could do all this with such a tiny piece… what was The Pull capable of? Especially in here? It was dangerous to treat this like a field trip, or some magical playground. They weren’t here for the light show. They were in the heart of an entity set on their destruction, and Hazel had stopped to admire how it beat. Maybe we should keep moving! Hazel grabbed Strudel and put him back in their bag, then grabbed Arael and Thalia’s hands to pull them along. Come on, guys! I think we’ve got a little go left in us before we find a spot to camp!

-

‘A little go’ was a fair judgment. Once the awe and wonder had begun to wear off, the group’s joints began to ache, groaning their protest with every step further into the forest. They’d ventured beyond the grove of giant trees, then spent a solid hour hopping over creeks in a part of the forest where the ground cracked up like chipping paint, and the twinkling moss swallowed them up to their shins with each leap. Not one of them made it across with dry socks, try as they might. Past a few more of the skyscraper trees (as Arael had so aptly dubbed them, being the only person in the group who had grown up around such buildings), and then through another megafern patch. They pushed their way about halfway in before Thalia got frustrated and started hacking at them with her sword to create a path. Set them aside, she commanded the other two when she stopped to catch her breath. Propped up against the others. They’ll grow back.

They passed through a canyon of geodes, gleaming on either side of the path like the grand halls of a palace. The further they ventured, the more colors sparkled around them; it could have just been that their eyes were adjusting, but Arael swore he saw pink flashing as he passed a periwinkle geode, and Hazel insisted one of them was the same silvery-blue of home’s storm clouds. Then the trees returned, and on they went, feeling ever smaller in this mystical otherworld.

Thalia stopped suddenly, driving her sword into the earth with force that surprised Hazel and Arael. Here. She pointed to the clearing around them. We camp here.

Oh, thank goodness. Arael collapsed to the ground with a thud, sprawling his tired limbs out and dropping his head against a clump of iridescent moss with a relieved sigh. He looked ready to doze off on impact.

Here? Hazel wrung their hands. You don’t think we can go a little further? What if we’re almost there?

I assure you we’re not, Hazel. Thalia rolled her shoulders, stiff from carrying her sword and travel bag. The Subconscious is far vaster than the Conscious, and that journey alone takes days.

Arael did it faster than that!

With a hoverboard. Arael’s pointer finger jutted into the air behind them and waved around. I… I was flying. Whoosh.

Thalia gave Hazel a look. Arael just said whoosh, Hazel. It’s time to rest. She placed her things around the sword. Help me find good firewood. We can’t use the trees, but the moss works fine.

Moss! Arael sat up, holding his makeshift pillow above his head with a glow of triumph. I have moss!

You keep that piece, sweetie, Thalia called as she started to explore their surroundings for more. You need a nap.

Oh, a nap sounds so nice.

Hazel glared at him, but he could hardly see it with his eyes closed. Thalia, they pressed, hurrying after her. This is a pretty important mission, isn’t it? You want to stop here? Now? They laughed forcibly. I don’t know that we have this kind of time, is all!

We do.

Hazel’s smile dropped as quickly and unnaturally as it had been produced. You don’t know that.

Hazel, does it matter? Either way, it’s not possible to press on without exhausting ourselves. If you want to reach The Pull at all, you have to rest.

You said this was my mission! Hazel didn’t mean to raise their voice, it just… happened. And once it had, they couldn’t seem to stop. You said you were here to help me do what I needed to do. If I say we keep going, then we need to keep going!

Thalia didn’t flinch. She stared Hazel down until they fell silent again. Once they closed their mouth, she slowly knelt to the ground and set to work, pulling up fistfuls of moss with calm precision. I did say I would help you. And I am helping you, by telling you we stop here. She handed Hazel the moss and strode off. They rushed after her again, only stopping a few paces away when she knelt for more.

But Thalia--

Hazel. Thalia rose, turning to face them so fast that her ponytail whipped around to hit the side of her face before flopping against her shoulder. You’re afraid. That’s alright. But you cannot be driven by it. She handed them more moss. Once we get a fire going properly, we can discuss your concerns at length so you sleep better.

Something happened in that moment that hadn’t happened in a long time. Something dark burned in their chest, climbed their throat, and flooded their brain until they screamed. All in one moment, Hazel lost their temper. They threw down the moss in a fit of fury. You’re not listening, Saffron! Who knows how it’s already started to affect us?! I stole something from it, you think it won’t come for me?! Where am I supposed to go?!

Thalia frowned. Saffron?

Hazel’s breath caught in their throat. Their vision was swimming, and they looked down at their boots to focus on something. The moss. Had they dropped it? Oh, no. Everything was spinning. Swaying? Maybe both. They felt nauseous. No, hot. Cold. Sick. They’d left the water in the kitchen, hadn’t they? Everything was humming, like their pulse was lining up with a drumming in the air, the ground, the trees. Blurring together.

Hazel. Are you okay?

I’m okay. They clutched their stomach. That was an-- an outburst, I didn’t mean it. Something came over me, I think… I think I’m probably just tired. I… maybe you’re right, Thalia, I-I think we should rest. They pressed the scar on their brow. Don’t cry, Sara, it’s all my own fault anyway. The world fizzled out like a dying flame, tipped over, and Hazel remembered little else after that.

-

Swan had insisted on curling up next to Hazel as they slept, her long neck curled over their forehead as if to shield them. She refused to budge, or to elaborate. She held very still, her only movement being in sync with Hazel’s slow, unconscious breaths. It was rare that Thalia felt Swan’s feelings, instead of vice versa, but the sadness lurking in Thalia’s head felt profoundly unfamiliar, and she knew it was not coming from her own heart.

As she saw it, Hazel had fainted from exhaustion thanks to lashing out a little too hard after a long journey. They were at a difficult age, even without everything that was happening, so she hadn’t taken the aggression personally. She’d hoped to help, if she’d just had another moment before they’d gone limp mid-sentence. At least she’d caught them before they could hit their head.

She hadn’t bothered waking Arael up when it happened. She’d surely tell him in the morning, or whatever the equivalent was in this timeless forest, but for now he needed to sleep as much as any of them. She’d lifted his head from the moss and placed it in her lap, and she fiddled with his hair absently as the flames of their campfire danced before her. Jackalo and Strudel rested alongside the couple, neither wishing to disturb Swan.

Are you alright? Thalia finally asked, the sound of her voice cutting the air after so much silence.

Swan did not lift her head. They are Hyacinth.

I had assumed so after they told us, Thalia whispered. Did you think I doubted?

I did. Swan opened her eyes. I doubted.

Thalia’s hand stopped, resting by Arael’s temple. You did?

I thought… I would have recognized her soul in an instant, but now I realize I was simply too young to remember her the way I thought I did. Hyacinth left before I was even old enough to spell her name. She went quiet for a moment. But this. Her voice sounded strangely small in Thalia’s head. This I remember. She pressed further against Hazel’s face. This is how it started.

Thalia frowned. How what started?

She would mix up names. She would get angry if you corrected her on them, then… then cry for a long time when she realized you were right. My mother, she tried to take the necklace from her; she was certain that’s what was causing it. But Hyacinth was furious when she tried, because she said it would see her if she touched it.

The Pull.

Yes. Swan raised her head just slightly. I realize she meant that now.

Thalia’s throat felt dry. I touched it.

Swan perked up fully now. The pendant?

Thalia nodded, feeling sick. Her fingers closed, slowly gathering a fistful of Arael’s dark hair. And I’m missing something there. A patch of memory from that day is gone.

Thalia, be calm.

But it was just me, I think. Everybody else knew to grab it by the arrow. We made it clear. I only messed up that one time, when Hazel fell. Because it was urgent.

And has anything happened to you since? Hyacinth was not always right, Thalia, some of her concerns were misread dreams. She insisted Creativity was flooding every single rainy season.

I don’t know. I had a dream too, but not like the kind Hazel has. I thought it was The Pull. But maybe it wasn’t? First it was Almana, and then it was-- she looked down at Arael’s sleeping face and bit her lip. Him. But it was talking like it wasn’t really either of them, and I ignored it at the time because I had… other things going on. But Swan, what if it was really in my head? Watching me?

Then that is the worst it can do to you. Swan’s voice was steady, returning to its normal volume in her head. It can only see you. Her head turned back to Hazel. But this child may have worse in store if we do not resolve things quickly. The fire crackled, shooting up a shower of sparks. They are afraid, as you said. But Hazel is so rarely uncertain; this fear is something deeper than the apprehension of a child. They are afraid because part of their soul has already done this. And it-- she-- failed.

The last word hung between them, dark and sharp.

Hazel has more to lose than Hyacinth did. They are young, Thalia. You have to be prepared to pull them back from madness should their magic consume them entirely.

Madness. Even from here, she could see the dim glow of Swan’s stars reflecting on the surface of the pendant. Hazel was a child. With a family. An innocent, someone that she had promised to protect. She decided something in that moment, and lifted Arael’s head out of her lap to set it back on the ground. She rose to her feet, and yanked her sword loose from the ground as she strode to the other side of the fire. Move.

Thalia.

Move, Swan.

Swan fluttered out of the way as Thalia knelt beside Hazel’s sleeping body. She lifted the string holding the pendant around their neck, and only hesitated when Hazel’s eyes opened halfway. They stared up at her, confused, then down at her hands. One gripping the string, the other her sword. Don’t, they whispered, barely more than a breath. It’ll… it…

It already saw me. It can’t do anything more. Thalia slipped the sword under the string and cut upwards, snapping it in half with one clean movement. She slipped it off of their neck without even needing to lift their head, and tied it back together once she held both ends between her fingertips. You’ll feel better if I take this, I promise.

Saff. They grabbed her wrist. Saff, I’m sorry.

Thalia dropped the pendant into her bag, then turned back to kiss Hazel’s forehead. It’s alright, Hazel. We’ll fix things soon.

We will?

We will.

Oh. They closed their eyes again, grateful tears spilling down the sides of their