The ground here is ancient, its dark soil rich with blood and marrow and its trees swaying in diseased wind. The air is cool even in summer and sunlight never touches the earth. Birds speak here, as do the things wriggling through the dirt. Be careful, now, for what they say has broken stronger minds than yours. Step through, child. Don’t be afraid. We’re all here, and we’ve been waiting for you.

Source: Where Carrion Gods Dance by Brad C. Hodson | Goodreads