A thousand other people could have told you that my travel through the woods was foolish. But it is only this situation that finally makes me realize that truth.

The offer to take me with him in his carriage so that I will not have to walk is still extended. His horses throw their heads to glare at me with electric blue eyes, the same color as the snapping cords connecting them to the floating carriage.

"No thank you, I'll just walk."

He tips his smoking black hat in answer, twisted smile tugging his lips back from fangs.

"Good luck."