Page 104 of When Roses Burn

I bit my bottom lip as my cheeks reddened. This sprite must believe I was insane or rapidly heading that way.

“Just pondering out loud,” I muttered, but the sprite didn’t look at all convinced as his eyes darted back and forth between me and Gizzi.

“The basilisk has more poison than me,” Gizzi said. “Not to mention, the goblin wanted to eat me. I may be lethal, but I’m tiny.”

“And you’re full of surprises,” I whispered in my head.

“I like keeping others on their toes.”

My head shot toward him. “Did you hear me?”

“I heard you. It seems you don’t have to speak to talk to me.”

“Have you always known that?”

“This is my first experience with this whole thing too,” he said. “I’m learning as we go.”

“Amazing.”

“It’s a very curious thing. I’ve never been heard by another.”

“And I’ve never talked to an animal before. I have to find out if I can talk to others too.”

“I’m curious to discover the same.”

I dipped my hand into my pocket and removed a nut. When I handed it to him, he stuck it in his mouth, and his cheek puffed out.

“Why did you leave the forest with me?” I asked. “You couldn’t communicate with me then.”

“No, I couldn’t, but I liked you. I don’t like the forest.”

“Understandable.”

I focused my attention on the sprite who was staring at me like Gizzi and I had fused. “Does Knox know about lowleetos?” I asked.

“Probably not,” the sprite replied. “They all look as harmless as that one, and they’re rare. They reside in Gorgonia, and few eternals travel to that kingdom.”

“If Gorgonia’s your home, then why are you here?” I asked Gizzi.

“The basilisks uncovered our home and chased us out of Gorgonia. There’s fewer of us now than ever before.”

“That’s why the basilisk was in Wildwood! It was after you.”

“Yes.”

“Where’s your family?”

“I don’t know. I lost them before I discovered you.”

My heart hurt for the tiny creature, even if he could kill me with one bite. “I’m sorry.”

“I believe they’re still out there and hope to find them again one day.”

“I’ll help you… as long as you don’t bite and kill me.”

Gizzi’s chuckle sounded in my head. “I can agree to that.”

I grinned at the tiny creature before shifting my attention back to the sprite. “So,” I said as if he weren’t staring at me like I’d sprouted a second head. “Is there somewhere I can make a potion for my bleeding heart plant?”