Chapter 6. The Forest Folk

NABU

Forestland, the Jungle of the Forest People. Six months after Karen’s death.

The bar of light pilfering through the lone window is pale and tired, like me. In my case, I’ve grown wary of these people. Zero intelligence, poor architecture, a stagnant folk. If I say I am not irked, I lie. It is only Qin’s presence that keeps me on my best behavior for now.

The Forest People. Like bees, they toil for their queen. No sense of glory. No ambition. Just living for her pleasure. This very hall built solely with ivory testifies to their stinking wealth. Yet, they would not build an empire, stop the Annunaki, or give aid to their bald-head neighbor. Rather, they eat, drink, and tell stories all day.

I cannot hold back the furrowing of my brows in a somewhat defying manner until Qin pinches my arm. “Lighten your mood, Nabu,” she whispers harshly, with a fake grin on her face.

The queen raises her chin, gazing at me like a god from above—which she is not—and s