Rise of the Sparrows (Relics of Ar'Zac #1) by Sarina Langer

had a chance at freedom.
    Darkness came, and with it some unsettling sounds—a creaking branch here, an owl there, and Rachael was no longer sure that spending the night outside was a good idea. She was exhausted, but the sounds of the waking forest kept her awake.
    “Rachael, look.” Small bright spots burnt through the darkness like a beacon. “I think it's a house.”
    “I think you're right.” Relief washed through her. “Come on, maybe they'll let us stay.” It was beyond her why anyone would want to live this far out, but she was in no position to argue.
    Energised by the sudden appearance, they began to run. More than once they stumbled over small branches hidden underneath the snow or large rocks in their way, but finally the house took shape. It wasn't large, barely more than a hut, but the light illuminating the glistening snow around it made it look warm. The orange glow coming from the windows was the most inviting light Rachael had ever seen. If they were lucky the people inside would be understanding, or at least allow them to rest until morning.
    “Stay behind me, I'll knock.” Cephy nodded, peeking out from behind Rachael as they watched the door.
    They heard faint sounds coming from inside. Cooking pots clanging against the surface of a worktop, the distinct sound of a chair scratching across the floor, and the sweet smell of tea hung in the air. It was a perfect home, Rachael thought, with all the perfect noises and smells.
    The door opened, and Cephy grabbed hold of her hand. She had been thrown off someone's doorstep often for begging, but whoever lived here didn't know her, or Cephy. They had no reason to be afraid of two young girls who had gotten lost in the forest at night.
    It wasn't enough to stop her heart from racing.
    “Yes? Can I help you?” Back in Blackrock people had grown contempt and lazy over the years, and it showed in their figures. This lady was nothing like them. She was tall, had the eyes and hair to match the night around them, and a kind smile in her eyes. Rachael had never seen anyone like her. She looked every bit like a good spirit come to save them.
    “We're lost. We played in the woods and it got dark, and now we can't find our way back.” She had never wanted anyone to believe her quite so badly.
    “You poor things! Come inside, I can brew you some tea so you girls can warm up. I don't have much room, but I have some blankets stored away. You can use those tonight, they will keep you warm.”
    It was more than Rachael could have hoped for. Relieved, she nodded, following the lady inside.
    She watched with a steaming mug of tea warming her frozen insides as the lady rummaged through cupboards and cabinets, until she pulled out two comfortable looking blankets twice the size of her and Cephy combined.
    “Wrap up warm, while I make you some more tea. You must be hungry, after having played outside in this weather all day! I have a bit of rabbit stew left. It’s not much, but you're welcome to it if you would like some.”
    “Please!” The word had left Rachael's mouth before she could think better of herself. “If it's no trouble.” No one had ever offered her food like this. The stew smelled divine, and made her stomach contort into painful knots.
    The lady offered a smile as warm as the scent of her tea. “Not at all. What are your names?”
    “I'm Rachael. This is Cephy. We're... sisters. We're sisters from Blackrock.” From underneath the small gap Cephy had left in her blanket, she beamed up at Rachael.
    “Well, it's lovely to meet you, Rachael and Cephy. My name is Aeron.”
     

Chapter Thirteen
     
    Rachael had never been so comfortable in her entire life. Aeron had handed her and Cephy a nightgown each after offering to stitch up their clothes. Both of them had worn rags, but Rachael's clothes especially had been in bad shape. She had worn the same rags for years, and varying weather conditions as well as her growing body had stretched them out of