*** The House in the Woods ***



After a hearty lunch meant to chase away the lingering fog of a hangover, Sinéad decided it would be wiser to delay their journey to Méabh’s place until morning. Clíodhna agreed, the woods grew unsettling once the sun went down, and Sinéad knew it wasn’t the safest place to bring two young girls.

Leo added to her caution, mentioning reports of three suspicious figures spotted in the woods the previous night, heading up the mountain. Morning, it seemed, would be the safer choice.

Éabha, however, had other ideas. She suggested a detour to the Tavern, cocktails had recently become her new fascination, especially the strawberry kind.

“Hell yeah!Clíodhna grinned.

Sinéad raised her brows at the pair. “It’s only three o’clock in the afternoon.

Éabha shrugged with a mischievous smile. “It’s cocktail hour somewhere in the world. Let’s go!
Later, in a quieter moment, Sinéad leaned toward Clíodhna. “Do you think it’s rude, just showing up at Méabh’s house unannounced?

Clíodhna chuckled. “She’ll see us coming long before we’re even halfway there. Méabh has eyes and ears in every corner of the woods, no one sneaks up on her. And don’t mind what Leo said… She’s a darling woman with a heart of gold. He’s just a dumb ass.

Sunday morning arrived bright and clear. The girls rose early, ate breakfast, and prepared for the trip up the mountain. As they entered the woods, Sinéad felt the uncanny sensation that every tree, every shadow, was watching them.

“Everything is,Clíodhna whispered.

“Méabh knows we’re coming,she added. “And I imagine she already knows who you are.

Sinéad frowned. “Should I be worried?

“Not in the slightest,Clíodhna assured her.

Éabha’s excitement was palpable. She looked forward not only to seeing Méabh again but also to the possibility of meeting Róisín for the first time.

It was Sinéad who first noticed the fragrance drifting through the air.

“Oh my God,she breathed in. “What is that incredible smell?

“Cherry blossoms,Clíodhna replied. “Beautiful, isn’t it? We’re almost there.

Éabha sniffed the air. “I smell wood smoke too, mixed with the blossoms.

When they reached the clearing, Sinéad stopped in her tracks.

“Oh my God… that’s the most breathtaking sight I’ve ever seen. Clíodhna, you said it was a House in the Woods? I wasn’t expecting this. Holy crap!

Clíodhna smiled knowingly. “She’s a Mage… She can make things appear as she wants them.

Sinéad pointed. “And how did Taibhse get in? The gate’s closed, yet there he is, sitting outside the door. What clever pup.

Éabha’s eyes narrowed. “What’s with the burning posts in the ground?

Sinéad shook her head. “I give up.

“That is strange,Clíodhna admitted.

Sinéad sighed. “Well, we could ring the bell, if there was a bell to ring. But look: no handle, no lock, and yet the gate won’t open…“How the hell did that crazy wolf get in?




To be continued…