Ria waited patiently. Ilbo pursed his lips. An explanation never came.

Ilbo turned and ran back the way he came. Stunned, Ria stared at the spot he stood only moments before. A scowl marred her soft face, and she sprinted after him. The forest seemed to shudder in anger. She could feel the Goblin's presence, unwanted feet crushing little blossoms in their wake.

Rokil dashed after the two. He felt protective of Ria and the forest for some reason. He could feel the wind rushing past his face, running its fingers through his golden hair. He ached to stretch his arms out wide and let the wind carry him.

His steps faltered for a moment. His eyes widened as the Goblin leaped over a pile of dead leaves and stopped in his tracks. Ilbo turned to face them. Why would the Goblin just stand there?

Ilbo knew the fierce creatures before him would never let him leave this forest unharmed-not after he disregarded the Keeper's wishes. Everyone knew that was a serious offense. He knew this, but he also knew it was worth it. She didn't know what was coming for her. His smile was quite creepy and conniving.

Ria didn't even blink. She didn't care if this vile thing was mobile or stationary, green or brown. Her only goal was to give Ilbo what was coming for him.

Ria was brilliant-mostly because she lived in solidarity and she had plenty of time on her hands to read all the carefully bound books in her library. As brilliant as she was, she failed to register the leaves that were dead on the ground before her, despite the blooming spring season. A Thunderbird circled overhead, clouds forming in its wake. The enormous golden bird let out a booming kakaw, the noise reverberating through Rokil's body. Thunder clapped with each flap of its long wings.

He watched in horror as Ria ran on top of the pile of leaves Ilbo leapt over. She was there one minute, gone the next. He attempted to halt in his tracks-he could be of no help if he fell through as Ria did.

He didn't stop soon enough. His arms flailed, but there was nothing to grab hold of. The clouds were illuminated with lightning. His eyes met Ilbo's as he, too, fell down into the dark pit.