Kaila was doing her level best to avoid looking at anything.

Her life had been spent surviving, staying one step ahead of the threats she knew about and staying away from the ones she didn't. The Forest had been the second most dangerous place she'd ever seen, but it was relatively predictable. Avoid the big animals, hunt the creatures that were used to being hunted. Stay away from anything new.

She had no idea where Coryl went and she couldn't bring herself to care anymore. There were far more pressing issues she had to deal with at the moment than her brother, and it hurt to think about besides.

Now she was crouched on the wet grass next to her sister, watching the Old One performing some kind of unspoken ritual with a Lich, and she couldn't remember being more terrified. Not even death could save her from something like the vicious undead. Her corpse would be raised and her soul would be bound in servitude to the Lich for all eternity.

Nodding, the Old One turned towards them, and she flinched. Mina's face was pushed into the grass. It reminded Kaila of some conversations with Mama, but she wasn't sure who she was more scared of.

The heavy pressure of whatever the Old One was doing fell on them, and Kaila gasped from the intrusion. Despite it, the Old One's voice was cheery and calm. All right, sorry about that. I just had to talk with Green for a second. So! He clapped his hands together, and Mina slowly raised his face from the dirt. I'm going to be completely honest with you, we decided that I wouldn't be doing any contracts. It's just not on the table right now.

And it never will be. The Lich - Green? - added. He folded his arms, resting them on the handle of the sword impaled through his chest.

Mina nodded. "Of course, my-" She paused, and then repeated, Of course, my lord. How may this one be of service?

The Old One pointed at her, confusion creasing his eyes. Why are you talking like that? Your name's Mina, right? Just use that. Turning towards Kaila, he added, Oh, and why'd you give me a fake name?

Kaila's eyes darted back and forth, well aware of the hostile glare of Green piercing her soul. She had a feeling lying would be an extremely bad idea while he was watching. Because... I was afraid that if I gave you my real one, you would use it to control me.

The Old One raised an eyebrow. Really? That sounds a little... ridiculous.

Kaila felt a little foolish at the almost worried tone he was using. The way he phrased it made it sound as though it was the sort of thing only children believed, like the boogieman or the Court of Spiders. She'd heard stories from Mama about giving monsters your name, stories where the people were forced to commit unspeakable atrocities.

Green shook his head. No, she is indeed correct. It's outside the range of all but a few entities, but it is possible to control a creature with its name. Even I am not capable of such a thing.

Looking curious and a little shocked, the Old One asked, Why would anyone do that? Force people to do something, I mean. If they don't want to do it, shouldn't it be up to them?

The Lich's expression was utterly nonplussed. Shold'ler, you forced me to get off my rock.

The Old One seemed a little embarrassed about it. Okay, but we can both agree you needed it.

Kaila was getting more confused as the conversation went. The Old One - right, his name was Shold'ler - wasn't angry at her and Mina for trying to make a contract with it? And Green... Green didn't like either of the humans, she could tell that much. So he disagreed with Shold'ler, but... they were still cooperating? Shold'ler had said he'd named the Forest. Coming from someone like him, that meant the name almost certainly stuck, but everyone was still alive, so that couldn't be right.

What was going on!?

As she stood up, all eyes went to her. Licking her suddenly dry lips, she tried to imitate the way Mina spoke. Forgive my interruption, but... are you each other's enemies or not?

Shold'ler looked aghast. What? No, of course not.

But you disagree with each other, don't - do you not? She couldn't stop looking at the Lich.

Well, yeah, but everybody disagrees with each other about something. There's no reason to make it the linchpin on your relationship, right? Take you guys! He gestured at both of them, and they flinched. I mean, you came here wanting a contract - which I'm not taking! He hastily added, watching Green. But now we're just chatting. Nobody's in trouble, no one's mad at anyone. Everyone's safe, okay?

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

When Mama said everyone was safe, it almost always meant she was just waiting for the best opportunity. Shold'ler said it as though he meant it, which was an alien experience to say the least.

Mina slowly rose to her feet. Are you not... you aren't going to kill us?

Shold'ler actually recoiled. WHAT? Where in this world would you get that idea!?

She flinched at the sudden shout, stumbling back. I'm sorry! I didn't mean to disrespect you!

Green's skull somehow looked curious. Shold'ler, I believe something is deeply wrong with these people. I am well aware of my own skill in intimidation, but even then... their reactions are too extreme.

He walked closer, holding a skeletal hand up in front of them. Vibrant green energy pulsed from it, misting around Kaila and Mina. They froze, too terrified to move. Hm. There is nothing wrong with them physically speaking. Perhaps something in their minds? He turned to Shold'ler. What do you believe we should do?

Shold'ler walked over and inspected them, so close Kaila could see the suckers on his tentacles. Do you guys know what might be wrong? If we can figure out what the problem is, we can try and help!

Mina looked at Kaila, eyes wide. "Kaila," she hissed. "This is our chance! He might be able to beat Mama!"

Kaila's heart nearly stopped. Mama was... no one went near Mama. No one had ever tried. Could it even be possible? Was there a chance Shold'ler could beat her?

Green glared at both of them. "Shold'ler might not be able to hear you, but I assure you that I can."

Her mouth dropped open, and then halfway closed. What was she supposed to say to that? "I'm sorry."

He steepled his bone fingers together, looking intrigued. "Who is this Mama you speak of? I assume she is not your birth mother."

Mina glanced at Kaila, and they both knew once again that lying would be a bad move. "She is indeed our mother," Mina said carefully, "But she is dangerous, and must be stopped."

Green's eyes narrowed. "I have heard a similar thing said about myself."

The awkward silence that followed was broken by Shold'ler. Hey. Did you forget I was part of this conversation too? They looked over to see him with his arms folded, clearly annoyed. I don't know what you guys are talking about. I don't have a... He trailed of, trying to remember the word. Right, a mouth. Which also means I can't hear what you're saying.

Green straightened, shaking his head. No - Shold'ler, you don't use the mouth to listen.

Shold'ler blinked. What? But you use it to talk!

He nodded. Yes, but you need ears to listen. The mouth is to talk and eat.

The Old One seemed suspicious. That doesn't make any sense. I talk with my mind, I listen with my mind. You talk with your mouth, you listen with your mouth. That's how it works.

Kaila shook her head behind Green. The Lich, thankfully, didn't notice. No, really. They're separate organs, they do different things.

Shold'ler's head tilted in clear confusion, and he started waving his clawed hands around. But that doesn't make any sense! Where would you even put something like that? In your mouth!

Green gestured towards Kaila, who obediently pulled her fuzzy hair up to show Shold'ler her small ears. Shold'ler's eyes widened. Wha... you have a hole in the side of your head.

Green pointedly indicated his own skull. What did you think these were?

Shold'ler threw his hands in the air. I don't know! I didn't want to ask in case it was something you were sensitive about, I didn't think they were supposed to be there!

Mina made a tiny cough. I think we may be straying slightly.

Shold'ler stared at her wide-eyed. Yeah, of course we are! I just found out your species is supposed to have a hole in your head! How are you comfortable with that!?

Green shook his head. No, the human woman is correct. We need to stay on topic.

Kaila blinked as she realized just how relaxed she'd been while talking to them. She'd been terrified out of her mind a few minutes ago - what had happened? Did the Lich cast some sort of spell? It had to be something along those lines. There was no way it'd been natural. She was talking to a Lich and some sort of monster, for crying out loud!

It couldn't be normal.

Shold'ler folded his hands. Okay, fine. How about this - Green and I come with you to wherever you live and help you with whatever's wrong. Sound good?

Kaila and Mina looked at each other, and then back at Shold'ler. They'd come for a contract, but he hadn't been angry, and now he was offering to help?

Green shook his head. No. I helped you here because Dioda told me you were making a mistake, and she was correct. I refused to make contact with the majority of humanity for now. Come back when you are done - I expect to hear of your victory. Turning to the Forest, he asked, Dioda?

The overwhelming presence of the Forest flooded the area, drowning Kaila in its weight. Yes?

To Kaila's shock, Green bowed. I am well aware I have no right to ask any favors of you, but would you watch Shold'ler? He may be powerful, but he has little experience with society and its deceptions. I believe you may be better suited to seeing through the plots and plans that accompany human culture.

Kaila nearly defended her species, before remembering why they were in the Forest to start with. Shold'ler frowned. What is that supposed to mean?

Green met his gaze evenly. It means you trusted me the moment I talked to you, despite the fact that no human in their right mind would do so.

Shold'ler folded his arms. Well, it's a good thing I'm not a human then, because I think trusting you was the best decision I've made since I've been here.

There was a long silence. Well. That... is a very kind thing to say, Shold'ler. But my point stands. Dioda?

I will watch them. Dioda's voice sank into the conversation. ALL of them, she added pointedly, and Kaila knew exactly who she was talking about.

Shold'ler rubbed his hands. All right, then. Let's go!