As I look at the map, we stay on the path, the prints in the dirt getting more faded. No matter how little I know about the world, I do know that we shouldn't veer off the path as we go through the woods.

Besides the road lanterns, The woods aren't without light. The mold and moss on the tree glow a strange blue, like clumps of crushed lapis lazuli scattered on the bark. As weird as it is, I can't help but stare and appreciate being able to see. Not just see, which is nice, but to see this sight in this moment. Nothing at home in the waking world ever grabbed me like the beauty here. Even the pretty things became dull and sad.

I don't need to sleep, even if I sometimes do. I eat a lot less. For the past few hours, I don't sleep, and I figure I won't until the journey is done; when you sleep, you're vulnerable. And I'm no longer in the house. I'm one small step out into the Dreamlands.

A rustle to my left. When I lived with one family in a remote area, we'd get mice that'd scurry on window sills and along walls. That's what these noises remind me of. Once I look in their directions, the sounds stop.

Moggy chitters under his breath. I don't know what he's saying. As he walked, he made something like a cotton candy cone, except with the fungus on the trees. Caramel jumps out in front of me, her hackles raised.

Silver mirrors gloss the forest floor like mushrooms. they keep moving, slithering across the underbrush like water.

Eyes. The amulet feels hard against my collarbone.

Zoogs. I hear their squeaks and the clicking of tongues and teeth. They're having a conversation with Moggy. My shoulders tense. As thrilling as the unknown can be, it's still scary.

Toothed shadows skitter out of the gnarled trees. C'mon, Eileen, think. I look around the road for anything I can use.

I grab one of the nearest lanterns and throw it backwards, so a flash of flame lands on the path. Startling, some of the chasing zoogs scatter or hesitate.

"No offense, Moggy, but maybe you should take the hat off. I don't think they realized you're also a zoog."

He sighs. "What are you doing?"

As we go on, the sky pinkens, its light a sharp contrast to the blue, glowing fungus. The tight space in my chest loosens, and I sigh.

Through the trees, sounds trickles in: the whisper of water and the screams of seagulls.

***

Weaver by CeeMTaylor

When a simple job goes horribly awry, ghosthunter Anya must prove she has what it takes to do spirit work or risk losing her job, her brother, and a second chance with the One Who Got Away.

Ante by salemkeating

In a world where science and magic collide, Lav Sciarra is hailed as a hero. But Lav knows the ones who win are the writers of history. Told in his own voice, Lav recounts the truth of how he became the most powerful Gemma alive and exactly what it cost him.