Old Fears

Nim continued her tale. Speaking of all that had happened since they parted.

After her son, Styx, had been born in the forest she’d had a time of peace. Enjoying his unconditional adoration and savoring the warm love she felt for him. But as time passed and he grew more independent. The familiar loneliness returned.

In that loneliness, she’d begun a romance with a human man. And had, again, conceived.

Marnie. He recognized.

When she had caught tracks in the woods, belonging to Nierwae, she’d had to abandon her children and lure the demon deep into the Untamed Forest. Where she had trapped him under the Dead Place. Locking him in an underground prison.

Until the day he was inadvertently released.

Which had resulted in him coming for Nim and Marnie. Discovering Styx, in the process. When he’d moved to take both women, Styx had offered himself as a protegee. A prospect, Nierwae had greedily taken him up on.

Leaving Nim to