Read Wilde's Meadow (Darkness Falls #3) for Free Online

soon, can I ask the question that’s really bothering me?”
    “And what question might that be?” Arland asks.
    My sister looks to Cadman. “How did the soldiers catch up to us if they’re on foot?”
    He smiles at my sister as if she’s a prized student. “Many were already on their way here, and they sent a few soldiers with a team of horses to meet the others.”
    Arland’s deep, sinister waves of laughter drift into the night. “Now I know how you felt, Kate. Always in the dark. Always making a decision others already knew you would make. Always wondering about those around you.”
    Cadman ignores Arland’s uncharacteristic outburst, strangely unsettling as it is, and slides from his horse, landing on the ground with a thud. The aging soldier approaches, pausing between each step as though he’s afraid walking too fast will startle us. “I did not bring all the soldiers from Wickward into Willow Falls. I was unsure of what we would be met with and wanted Kate to have her army. When you suggested the six of us fight alone, Arland, I knew you were not entirely serious. No matter how strong we are, our small group cannot fight the daemons by ourselves. Dughbal we can seek out and kill, but I do not believe killing him will end the evil working for him.”
    Cadman places a hand on Arland’s shoulder, then mine. “This place is laced with dark magic from a century ago, magic which instills fear and anger in the hearts of those near it.”
    “Are you saying there’s a magical security system around the Crossing Caves?” Brit asks, raising her voice … and eyebrows.
    Cadman turns to her. “Yes. When Ground Dwellers built the underground bases, they also infused the caves and surrounding areas with Nefarious spells. They were intended to keep out Darkness, but as you know, The Meadows was attacked first. The magic did little to help. And by all of the emotions coming from the five of you, it would seem we thwart only ourselves.”
    “That certainly explains why we always moved fast when we traveled through these caves.” Arland’s jaw muscles tense. “But why are you not affected by these spells, and why does Kate not appear affected?”
    “I am not sure about Kate, but maybe my age or knowledge of the magic helps me.” Cadman tilts his head to the side. “Or maybe because I was here when Perth’s mother jumped into the ravine because the spells scared her so deeply.”
    Brit and Flanna gasp. I squeeze Arland’s fingers, heart retreating from my stomach and rising right in my throat. Only memories Perth said; only the worst kind of memories anyone should ever have.
    “Perth, I’m … I’m so sorr—”
    “Please, Katriona, whatever you do, do not feel sorry for me.” Perth returns to his horse. He places his foot in the left stirrup, then mounts. “I will ride to greet the others. Cadman was right to tell you what dangers we face, but I wish he would have been more discreet in doing so.”
    Perth trots away without looking back, kicking up a storm of leaves in his wake.
    I stare at Cadman, appalled at everyone’s behavior. Magical spells or not. “Maybe the magic affects Cadman after all, Arland?”
    Arland nudges my back, pressing his warm hand just above my waistline. “We should leave as well. We can meet the others away from the threats of this place; a crowd of us might turn bloodthirsty. Arrangements can be made from wherever they are, but we need to move. Now.”
    Climbing onto Mirain, I take her reins and wait for the others. Brit and Flanna rush onto the backs of their animals, probably in the same hurry I am to get away from the dark pull of the spells, then Arland and Cadman do the same. I dig my heels into my horse’s sides. She bolts through the trees, leaving behind a part of this forest I’m not looking forward to returning to.
    Branches brush my legs and have to be moved from overhead so I’m not knocked from Mirain. The others follow in a line. Everyone remains silent. If I