The Forest of Shadow and Bones

by Jessica Sorensen

  My curiosity turns into rage mixed with blinding hot fear. “What!” Oh, my God! Not again!

  “I’m kidding,” he quickly says. “Sorry, I’ve been told I joke at inappropriate times.”

  I only speak again when my heart settles down. “I’m sorry for freaking out. I just didn’t know you were kidding.”

  “It’s okay.” His expression softens. “I promise I won’t hurt you, Sway. I just need you to give me your hands so I can borrow some of your energy.”

  I start to reach for him. “I didn’t know I have energy.”

  “Every paranormal creature does,” he says simply, as if we’re having a normal conversation.

  Oddly enough, it kind of feels like we are. I spent all those years hiding my gift and pretending I’m normal while feeling like a freak. And now I’m finally able to talk about my ability openly, and I feel so … well, free.

  “So, you think I’m something paranormal?” I ask, setting my palms on top of his.

  He shrugs. “I guess we’ll find out.”

  Nine

  Sway

  It happens so swiftly I barely have time to process it. A glittering glow of his hands, a crackle from the light above, and then darkness briefly smothers us before the lights flip back on.

  “Holy shit!” I squeal, jumping back from Dash.

  Well, not really Dash so much as the pale, skeletal-like figure with a surprisingly animated like face and wearing a cloak looming beside him.

  I scream again and jump back as his eyes flash red.

  The skeleton mimics my shriek and jumps back, too.

  “What the hell is that!” I back away until my back bumps against the brick wall.

  “What the hell is that!” The skeletal figure points a finger at me as he gasps.

  Okay, now I’m pretty sure he’s making fun of me.

  “That’s not funny.” My voice wobbles and my knees tremble. “I’m really freaked out. I’ve never seen a … whatever it is you are.”

  “Well, I don’t find it funny, either,” the skeleton says, putting his hands on his bony hips. “I’m freaked out. I’ve never seen such a squealy girl before.”

  “Clearly, you haven’t been to a boy band concert, then.” I raise my chin. “And I wasn’t squealing; I was screaming.”

  The skeleton tilts his head to the side. “There’s a difference?”

  I nod, keeping my chin held up, appearing confident when I’m really freaking the fuck out. “There’s a huge difference.”

  “Hmmm …” The skeleton rubs his skeletal chin with his bony fingers. “I’ll make a note of that for the next time I run into a squealing girl.”

  My lip curls. “Well, aren’t you a—”

  “So …” Dash claps his hands together loudly. “I hate to break up this lovely little pointless argument, but I do need to make this quick.” He turns to the skeletal figure, angling his chin to look up at the towering creature. “Jack, I need your help.”

  Jack tears his attention from me and looks down at Dash. “With what’s going on, I figured as much.”

  Dash’s forehead creases. “How much do you know about what’s going on?”

  “I’ve heard rumors about what Vivianne’s planning and what she did to you.” His gaze flits in my direction then lands back on Dash. “And, considering you’re hanging out in the stairwell with an Illusionist, I put two and two together and figured you’re about to do something stupid.”

  “Stupid, huh?” Dash muses. “I was thinking more like idiotically smart.”

  Jack gives him a tolerant look. “Say it however you want, but going in the Forest of Shadow and Bones is stupid if you don’t know what you’re doing. And you need to know what you’re doing, Dash. It’s important.”

  The Forest of Shadow and Bones? What the hell is that?

  Better yet …

  “I’m an Illusionist?” I ask, inching toward them.

  The skeleton’s eyes drift toward me. “You are, but you’re also something else.” He floats toward me, his feet never touching the dingy linoleum floor. “Something dark and tainted.” He lowers his voice to a whisper. “Tell me, have you seen the shadows yet?”

  Goose bumps sprout across my skin as I think about graduation night and what I did.

  “I didn’t … I don’t …”

  “Jack, leave her alone,” Dash intervenes, stepping between us. “I don’t have time for your games. I just need to know what an Illusionist is. I’ve never heard of them before.”

  “Not many have.” Jack drags his gaze off me and looks back at Dash. “An Illusionist, also known as connectors to the dead, is the gateway between the dead and the living. They can mimic the dead and the living, but are neither living nor dead.”

  My heart nearly stops inside my chest as I recall the numb feeling I have every time I touch someone. Is that why? Because I’m partly dead?

  “They’re known for creating illusions, too,” Jack continues. “And usually, they keep their mark hidden, so they’re practically unidentifiable.”

  Dash glances over his shoulder at me with a questioning, accusing look.

  “I don’t do that,” I argue, offended. “I don’t even know anything about any of this.”

  “She’s probably telling the truth,” Jack explains. “Some illusionists who don’t know a lot about their gifts create illusions unintentionally as a defense mechanism to keep their identity hidden.”

  Dash looks like he mulls this over before turning back to Jack. “So, what else can she do?”

  “A lot of things,” Jacks says, resting against the railing behind him. “But I’d have to check with my other brains to give you more info.”

  I slowly blink. “Your other brains?”

  Jack shoots me a dumbfounded look. “Of course I have other brains. How else would I store all of the info about the paranormal world?”

  “I didn’t explain to her what you are,” Dash tells Jack then twists to face me. “Jack’s a Recorder, which means he records and keeps track of almost everything linked to the paranormal world.”

  My lips form an O, but no sound leaves my mouth. Recorders. Illusionists. Is this all for real, or am I really at home, lying in bed, fast asleep, stuck in dreamland?

  I pinch myself to check. “Ouch.”

  Dash’s lips quirk. “You newbies always think you’re dreaming.”

  “I had to check,” I say, rubbing the spot. “This is a lot to take in.”

  “Well, brace yourself, because there’s more to learn,” Dash says ominously. “A lot more.”

  “Yes, there is,” Jack agrees with a nod of his head. “Not just for her, but for the both of you.”

  Dash presses his hand to his chest with a teasing glint in his eyes. “What do you mean? I know everything.”

  “Not everything.” Jack peers around the stairwell then leans in. “I’ve recently come across some info about Vivianne that you might be interested in.”

  Dash grimaces. “What has that little wench done now?”

  “She’s done a lot of things,” Jack says. “But the thing I’m worried about is what she hasn’t done already.”

  Dash’s lips thin as he presses them together. “Yeah, I already know she’s planning to overrule all fey kingdoms so she can gain more power. I found that out right before I died.”

  “Did you also know she’s trying to take over the Underworld, the Afterlife, and even the Reaper Realm?” Jack asks. “If she does, then she’ll have so much power no one will be able to stop her.”

  “Shiiiittt.” Dash lets the word drag out. “How did you …? When did this …? How do you know this?”

  “I know everything, Dash.” Jack’s hollow mouth expands into a smile. “You should know that by now.”

  “Would you by chance know how to stop her, then?” Dash asks, holding up his crossed fingers. “Because I really don’t want her taking over the world. That bitch is straight up insane.”

  Jack hesitates. “You. You’re the only one w
ho can stop her.”

  Dash snorts a laugh. “Yeah, okay. Because that’s how these things work.”

  “It’s always how these things work.” Jack heaves out a frustrated breath. “What you are—what you were when you were alive—is the only thing that’s going to be able to stop Vivianne from reigning over the kingdoms.”

  “I’m not the only Omnia, so find another one, because this one”—Dash points at himself—“is a little busy right now. You know, trying to stop his impending permanent death from happening.”

  A drop of sympathy flashes in Jack’s eyes. “Most of them are dead, Dash.”

  The color drains from Dash’s face. “What?” he whispers. “How can that even be possible? The last time I heard, our kind was on the rise.”

  “Vivianne had them all killed,” Jack explains solemnly. “You were one of the last on her list. I think she kept you around so long because of your whole linea vitam. The connection made her feel guilty about wanting to take your life.”

  Dash’s lip twitches with irritation. “I doubt that. That woman hated me. Even now, she’s trying to torment me, I think to keep me from getting into The Forest of Shadow and Bones.”

  “She may have hated you when you were alive, but the linea vitam connection is powerful. And trust me; guilt eats away at her for what she did to you.” Jack’s gaze roams to me and then to Dash again. “However, you were right about her tormenting you now. Well, not so much torment, but she is trying to stop you from getting into the forest.”

  “I know she is,” Dash says with a frown. “She had one of her manipulator faeries brainwash Sway’s friend and convince her to go to the Black Dungeon.” He scratches his head. “I honestly thought those faeries were extinct.”

  “There are a few still wandering around.” Jack’s body suddenly goes rigid, like a jolt of electricity crackles up his spine. He glances over his shoulder then at the ceiling above where the lights flicker. “Something else is coming … something dark …” He looks back at Dash with panic in his eyes. “I need to make this quick.” He points a bony finger at Dash. “You need to focus on getting into the forest and reuniting your spirit with your body, but make sure you know what you’re doing. Don’t go running in there without a plan. You making out of the forest alive is our only chance of stopping Vivianne. Trust me; I know.” He brings a finger to his temple and cracks a smile. “Me and my brains know everything.” When Dash continues to frown, Jack sighs and lowers his hand. “And you’ll be safe from her in the forest.” His eyes flick at me. “You and the girl.”

  “Safe from Vivianne maybe,” Dash mutters with his arms crossed, “but not from everything in the forest.”

  The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end at Dash’s ominous tone. Just what exactly is in this forest?

  “No one ever said it was going to be easy,” Jacks says, “but as long as you have Sway, you’ll be able to make it through all of the obstacles and realms that lie inside.”

  “What? Me?” I squeak. “No! I can’t.”

  This is all becoming too much. My head is swimming in confusion, in fear, and morbidly enough, curiosity. Fearing I’ll lose my mind completely, I inch toward the door.

  Jack’s gaze darts in my direction, his pupils dilating until his eyes turn pitch black. “Don’t even think about it. It’s not safe out there for you.”

  I stop dead in my tracks. Every part of me screams to keep my mouth shut, but my lips have other ideas.

  “Why isn’t it safe for me? This has nothing to do with me, even if you think so.” I dare another sidestep toward the door. “Just let me go. I promise I won’t breathe a word of this to anyone.” And if I did, no one would believe me, anyway.

  Jack looks back at Dash. “You haven’t explained to her what you need from her yet?”

  “I was going to,” Dash says tensely. “I wanted to find out what she is first.”

  “Well, then allow me to.” Jack swishes his cloak and turns toward me. “I need to free her power, anyway, or else you won’t know where to start.”

  I open my mouth to protest, but he latches on to my wrist, his chilled fingers pressing against my flesh. I gasp as intricate lines spread up my arm and curl up my shoulder, forming angled patterns and sparkling lines that resemble a bedazzled map. The longer Jack holds on to me, the more the lines spread like stretching branches across my neck and arms. I can even feel them gliding across my waist and legs all the way to my toes.

  By the time he releases me, my skin looks like one big road map.

  “She’s your map to the Forest of Shadow and Bones, also known as the Forest of the Dead. To ignite the energy of the map, you need to put a little bit of your power into her,” Jack explains to Dash. “She can also do a lot more than this, but you’ll find that out in time.”

  Dash’s eyes sparkle in awe as he gazes at the splashes of color all over my flesh. “How am I supposed to read it?”

  “You don’t,” Jack says. “She does.”

  Dash’s expression plummets. “Well, that doesn’t sound too promising.”

  “She knows more than she thinks she does,” Jack promises. Then his body tenses again. “I have to go. Something’s coming. Just make sure you’re careful, both in and out of the forest. Vivianne isn’t the only one who’s trying to stop you. You have Sh—” He cuts off as he disappears.

  My chest heaves as I struggle to breathe, and my mind races so fast I can barely grasp reality.

  “What the hell just happened?”

  Dash doesn’t answer, his gaze darting to the ceiling three stories above us where a faint grey mist is forming. “We need to get out of here. I think Vivianne has a Phantom watching us.”

  “Phantom …” I gasp as the mist swivels around and slowly forms a funnel that spirals down toward us.

  “Don’t worry. It can’t hurt you as long as you don’t touch it.” He snags my hand and starts to disappear through the door, forcing me to open it and go outside with him into the cool night air.

  He hurries up the side of the hotel we were just in and to the sidewalk running alongside the mostly vacant street. It’s late enough that the area is lowly populated.

  We walk for what feels like ages down the sidewalk, past side streets, stores, and hotels. I keep throwing panicked glances over my shoulder, worried the mist is following us, but nothing out of the ordinary appears.

  Finally, after what feels like miles, Dash comes to a stop in front of a closed up theater. Soft light filters from the apartments above and the few lampposts are still working.

  After checking the area for anything suspicious, he faces me with heavy reluctance. “Are you okay?”

  “I have no idea,” I answer truthfully. I stare down at the map on my arms, the lines already fading.

  Am I okay? No, I don’t think I am. Sure, I wanted to find out what I was, but I honestly didn’t expect this. Witches, fey, vampires, Omnia, skeletons with multiple brains, a map tattooed on my body …

  “Why’s it fading?”

  Dash gently places a hand on my arm, and the lines begin to shimmer again, illuminating the darkness around us. “It requires magic to work.” Removing his hand, he yanks his fingers through his hair. “I know that was a lot to take in, but I really need your help getting into the forest. It’s my only chance of being alive again. And, if what Jack said is true, it’s the only chance we have to stop Vivianne from taking over the realms, which might not seem like a big deal to you, but trust me; she’ll eventually try to take over the human realm, too. Then everyone you love will suffer.”

  I swallow down the massive, confusion-induced lump lodged in my throat. “What is this place exactly? The Forest of Shadow and Bones?”

  Dash’s mouth sinks into a frown, tension rippling through his muscles. “Honestly, it’s probably one of the most dangerous places in the world. There are so many spells and charms laced through every acre that it’s practically one big booby trap. Plus, all sorts of evil creatures live there. And the realms we�
�ll have to get through … they’re … challenging and dangerous.” He steps toward me, seeking my cheek with his fingers.

  My eyelashes flutter uncontrollably as a drop of calmness spills through my veins, and I question what other powers he has.

  “You’ll be risking your life if you go there with me, so I want you to think this through before you agree to anything.”

  Hope sparkles in his eyes, silently pleading with me to help him. Part of me wants to. Wants to step up and put my gift to use for once. Wants to help the world. But I’m afraid. Afraid for my life. Afraid of experiencing other nights as terrifying as this one. Afraid to leave Eve and Brysen behind. I’m all they have in this world. If I die, who will take care of them?

  Reality finally catches up with me and strikes me hard across the face.

  “I-I’m sorry,” I stammer, backing down the sidewalk toward the corner. “But I can’t do it.” I spin on my heels and run like hell away from Dash and his scary, monster world.

  But I know this isn’t over yet. I can feel it in the magnetic pull emitting from the weakening tattoo on my skin, begging me to return to Dash and help him.

  Begging me to go into the forest.

  Ten

  Dash

  Okay, I was hoping for a better outcome than her running away from me like I’m the carrier of some deadly disease. But, I’m not ready to give up on Sway just yet. I could see in her eyes that she was contemplating helping me. Maybe after some time, she’ll change her mind.

  But do I even have time? The Shadow Reaper never said how long I have to get this done. And I’ve already wasted almost four days getting to this point.

  I could always just force Sway to go. Be the asshole, jerk my father always saw me as. But the idea of forcing Sway to do anything doesn’t sit well with me. Neither does letting her wander off alone, not with Vivianne and her little followers after her.

  Blowing out a breath, I jog down the sidewalk after Sway. I keep my distance and linger in the shadows, knowing if she sees me, she’ll probably flip out.