MAYA'S POV

The farther we go, the forest becomes darker. The drumming fades off gradually.

"So this place is not affected by the plague?" Morien asks, trying to sound a bit friendly.

The prince nods. "Of course it’s not. We have guards stationed miles away, watching the forest for any little sign of disturbance. If it’s a plague or a contamination, they kill it before it gets here. And if it’s food"—he pauses, glancing at us. "sorry. If it’s food, they bring it ...