Chapter 38: Chapter 38: The Governess

Heldon’s smile was short-lived as they crept toward the entry of the shrine.

The shrine appeared to be overgrown as if it hadn't been tended to in some time. The entryway itself was a smooth earthen path with an arcing, elaborate carved wooden arbor as a gate. Flower blossoms, some bell-shaped, others crown-shaped, spiraled up the arbor in a river of yellows, whites, and pinks.

Though the shrine's entry welcomed them warmly, Heldon didn’t trust this place, not after what Tival told him, and not after what those flowers did.

Danica leaped up silently into a large tree that overlooked the arbor and motioned with her head it was safe to get closer. Heldon pressed his back against the arbor and turned his head, but before he could even peek around, he noticed Ryce walk through the entryway.

“Let me go, Sloane. You and I both have other places we need to be.” Tival’s warm, deep voice sounded stern.