She fell to the ground with the bogspectre’s writhing body pressed against her. Its flesh was cold, wet, viscous—its arms tightened like twin nooses around her neck. She tried to push it off, but its body was soft and malleable, and she couldn’t gain traction against it.
“Filthy humans, burning my woods and invading my home,” the bogspectre was snarling. “Servants of the Shadow Lord, demons, evil things. You’ve taken everything from me. You’ve destroyed me. I know why you all come here. You’ve come to steal my treasure, haven’t you?”
“No,” she choked. “I’ve come to return it.”
The bogspectre released her as if stung. It retreated to hover a few hands away from where she lay gasping for breath on the ground.
Keriya sat up. Slowly, aware that any sudden movement on her part might send th
