"Auren, come on or we'll be late! You know we can always gather herbs later!" Jaira's voice rang out with mild exasperation, hands on her hips as she stood a few paces ahead on the moss-covered trail.
Auren, crouched low under the thick bramble of underbrush, barely heard her. His fingers delicately brushed over a peculiar blue flower, well-hidden beneath a bed of crimson moss and curling ferns. His eyes shimmered with excitement.
Each time they ventured out, he kept his senses alert for rare herbs, especially those described in Robert's ancient, weather-worn compendium of plants.
This one, though... this was something else.
The flower stood about a foot tall. Its blossom was sky-blue, almost glowing, and nestled between four vibrant, heart-shaped leaves that pulsed with a deep ruby hue.
The plant was wrapped protectively by a crown of thorny vines, as if the forest itself wanted to keep it secret.
His heart thumped.
