Chapter 28 Someone True

• *Blanca*
• Kieran is gone–swallowed up by a tree! I can hardly believe what I’m seeing. The tree simply opened, and now, he’s disappeared. It takes me a moment to comprehend, and I have to wonder if perhaps all trees are capable of this, and my sheltered life has left me thinking otherwise, but then I realize that’s not possible.
• I gaze into the darkness where Kieran has gone and see a ladder. Instinct tells me to jump in after him, but it’s so deep, I can’t see anything down there. Instead, I take a moment to shift and get dressed. Then, I quickly climb down the ladder, hearing a creak as the tree closes itself above me.