CHAPTER FIVE

Winter

"Hey," the monster says.

My jaw drops, and the monster—whatever it is—removes a mask.

Because it's not a monster at all. It's a human.

A boy, really. No, a young man. Maybe five or so years older than me and Alec, in his early twenties. He's tall, with dark blond hair, and he has a backpack slung over his shoulder.

I slowly stand. "Uh ... Hi."

Alec whirls around, tensing, ready to fight.

The guy raises his hands and stops walking. "Easy. I'm not looking for trouble. Sorry if I freaked you out.” He raises the mask, which I now see is made out of leaves and bark. “This helps avoid some of the creatures out here.”

“Some of them?” I squeak. Just how many creatures are there?

“I heard the kobolds making all that noise, and I thought they were attacking someone."

"Kobolds?" I ask.

He shrugs, his hands still up. "That's what I call them."

"Same thing as goblins." Alec is still watching the guy. "Who are you?"

"Damon Aldridge." He offers his hand for a shake, but Alec do