Book Five: Chapter 183

“It is forbidden to speak with them, young one. Are you aware why?”
Gaia’s voice carried the weight of the mountain itself, low and resonant, echoing faintly through the stone chamber. She stood with her wings folded tight against her back, her many eyes fixed on Abella in a way that made it impossible to look away.

Abella lowered her head respectfully, then nodded once. “I am aware, elder,” she said, choosing her words carefully. “But I do not understand why I cannot speak with this one.” She lifted her chin slightly, emboldened despite herself. “He cannot see me, and he is content to catch his fish and then go. He believes that I am a young woman from the village, and—” She hesitated, searching for the right phrasing. “—and nothing more comes of it.”

“Therein lies the problem.” Gaia shook her head slowly, the stone-like feathers along her wings grinding softly against one another. “What