บท 23: The Voice

"Thando..." A voice, low and unfamiliar, cut through the stillness of the cemetery, sending a shiver down my spine. My heart raced as I scrambled to my feet, eyes darting around the gravestones within the mist.

There was no one in sight.

"Thando..." The voice came again, clearer now, closer.

"Who’s there?" I demanded, trying to steady the tremor in my voice. "How do you know my name? Show yourself!"

"I can’t, Thando," the voice replied, almost apologetic. "It’s not safe. Not yet."

A cold sweat broke out on my skin. "Then what do you want? If it’s money you’re after, go ask the Queen. I have nothing to give you."

"I don’t want money," the voice replied, calm and patient, as if this were a normal conversation. "I need your help."

"My help?" I repeated, incredulous and wary. "Why would you need my help?"

"Do you see a tree nearby? A stranded one, with no leaves?" the voice asked, its tone oddly specific.