The northern walkway narrowed as Bracken Span disappeared behind the trees. By the time Nova reached the last fixed platform, the sound of the settlement's bell had faded, leaving only the creak of roots and the distant movement of the suspended ridges.
Rell stopped at a weathered stone and tightened the strap of her bow. "From here, stay where I step. The thorn flats look solid until they decide otherwise."
"Decide?" Nova asked.
"You'll understand. And keep that cat off the pale bushes."
Lunaris, who had been examining one of those bushes, lifted his head with an innocent meow. Nova picked him up before he could test Rell's warning. The Auri followed at his side, its grey-stained wing held close beneath its feathers.
