Maebh waved her hand in a welcoming gesture. The boy’s breath caught in his throat as he was pulled closer through no action of his own. “I… really ought to be getting home,” he mumbled, struggling to evade her cold yellow eyes.

“Forget your worry, creature. I know the way and I will show you. Just look here for a moment.” The boy looked up into her eyes and felt safe for the first time in these woods. Entranced, he could not look away.