The Eating Woods, #2
Eldritch
by Keri Lake
Contents
Chapter 33
Overview
Haunted by Vaelora’s abduction, Zevander drifts into Caligorya, drawn to the raven‑haired “moon witch” he idolizes. When bullies torment her, he impulsively uses a glyph, causing a carriage to trample Lilleven.
Alastor appears, condemns Zevander for imposing his will, warns a life must be paid, and ejects him from the dream.
Summary
Reeling from memories of Vaelora’s terror, Zevander seeks distraction and finds himself in rain-dim Caligorya. He fixates on a raven-haired girl he reveres as a moon witch, her presence a comforting refuge from his grief and guilt.
As Zevander quietly watches, Lilleven and her younger brother confront the girl, hurling slurs and threats. The girl defends her sister, Aleysia, and tries to disengage, but Lilleven lunges in rage. Driven by anger and a desire to protect, Zevander casts the Aeryz glyph.
The force knocks Lilleven into the street, where a speeding carriage crushes her. Shocked by the lethal consequence, Zevander looks to the moon witch, who is horrified by the violence he helped unleash.
Alastor arrives and condemns Zevander for imposing his will, declaring that a life taken demands a life given. Insisting Zevander should never enter without him, Alastor forces him out, hurling Zevander into darkness and severing the dangerous dream.
Who Appears
- ZevanderHaunted by Vaelora, he enters Caligorya, defends a girl with a glyph, and inadvertently causes Lilleven’s death.
- AlastorMentor in Caligorya; rebukes Zevander for imposing will, warns a life must be paid, and ejects him from the dream.
- Raven-haired girl (the lorn/moon witch)Target of village bullying; defended by Zevander. Sister to Aleysia; horrified by Lilleven’s fatal trampling.
- LillevenPrimary bully who attacks the lorn; knocked into the street by Zevander’s glyph and trampled by a carriage.
- Lilleven’s brotherJoins in taunting the lorn; witnesses Lilleven’s death and cries out in alarm.