Page 119 of Caressed By Sin
Chapter 21
The Invisible Forest
Fatou
Zoe was supposed to take me to the Outer Realm—a place I had only read about in books and heard about from my father. It could only be entered by crossing through a portal. Additionally, it was protected by an impenetrable mystical barrier called the Veil.
Azar told Zoe that Jade and I would be safe from Adae in the outer realm because Adae could never cross it. Which probably meant that fallen angels, had no ability to enter.
Unfortunately, I would have to see the Outer Realm another time.
I had a stubborn demon to save.
I wish we would have gotten here when it was daytime.
I held Jade in my arms and stood on the edge of the Invisible Forest. My stomach twisted with nervousness as I looked into the darkness. The trees swayed side to side like weaving snakes.
The forest's canopy overhead was a dark emerald ceiling of shimmering leaves, so dense it blocked out the moon and stars.
The swaying grass was three feet tall and curled at the tips. Each time the warm breeze moved them, their tips uncurled my way and then rolled back as if beckoning me to come forward, as if trying to lure me.
Do you remember me, Mama Forest?
Zoe trembled on my side. “I do not think we should go in there. Something is wrong about this place.”
“It's fine.”
Jade raised her head and turned. “Mommy, I'm scared.”
“It will be okay, little one. Trust mommy.”
Jade gave me a slow nod and clung to me tighter, laying her face against my shoulder. For years I had fought and battled to get my daughter back. The overwhelming feeling of relief washed through me, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough.
I needed Azar next to me too.
Unfortunately, the damn demon had seeped into my heart.
You gave your life to save us, Azar? How could you think that I would leave you in Adae’s dungeon and not at least try to come back for you?
Zoe disturbed my thoughts. “If this forest is so safe, then, why are you standing here and not boldly walking in?”
“Because I'm scared of something else.”
“And I am scared because it looks like there are tons of things in here that will kill us.”
“Well. . .” I gave him a sad smile.
“What?”
“Therearetons of things in this forest that could kill us.”
Silver dust puffed around him. Zoe backed up. “Fatou. . .”
“The centaurs are the deadliest creatures in here. But, if you don't bother the centaurs then they won't bother you.”
Zoe widened his eyes in fear. “This was not the plan, Fatou. Right now, we are supposed to be nice and safe in the Outer Realm.”
“Azar isn't the only one that can change plans.” I entered the forest.
