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Instantly, all the woodfolk disappeared… except Stefan. He had been aware of the urgent, collective mind message to hide, but he had no idea how to flick into hiding. Besides, his loyalties lay with his parents and his employers. Still, it left him feeling a little bereft. The woodfolk had said they would include him and introduce him to people who might be his kin. Instead, they had left him behind as they disappeared.
Despite himself, Stefan smiled when he saw his parents, Sheldrake and Maud, staring around themselves in shock as hundreds of woodfolk disappeared instantaneously.
“My word,” exclaimed his father, wide-eyed and taking a gulp of his wine. “They are most magical, aren’t they?”
“And can you do that too, dear?” asked his mother.
Stefan grimaced. “I don’t know. I haven’t
