Heart Wood | Forest Creature X Reader (COMPLETED)

Chapter 7: Tree of Truth

"Would you mind discussing the situation in my home?" He had asked you, to which you quickly agreed. You would have asked if he wanted to go to your house, but figured he wouldn't even be able to fit through the door, let alone the rest of the house.

He had picked you up, holding you bridal style, and took you deeper into the forest. The trees got larger the farther you went. You gave Missy a few nervous glances as she flew behind you, before she reassuringly patted your head.

Lofty sets you down in front of a towering tree. You stare up at the tree as it looms over your small, soaked body. You notice the curtain of vines that cover a large area of the tree.

Lofty extends his hand out, gently moving the vines out of the way without touching them, revealing a gaping hole in the tree. It appears to be an opening leading farther into the hollowed out wood.

You peer into the dark hole, squinting your eyes. He motions for you to walk in, to which you do with a curt nod. With timid legs, you slowly make your way into the tree's opening.

You're greeted with soft firefly lights, which give off a dim glow in areas of the large room. The floor is made out of a soft moss, while the circular wall appears to be made out of the same tree bark that's on the outside of the tree.

You timidly walk in, gaping at the giant room that sits inside the tree, as you look around. You spot a large bookshelf carved out of the wood, and it confuses you.

'He can read?' You question to yourself, wondering how he can read without having any eyes to see. Walking all the way in, you see, what you think is, an oddly shaped chair next to the shelf.

Lofty walks in behind you, barely having to duck under the large threshold. He stands at his normal height, still having room between him and the ceiling.

You glance up, noticing that the ceiling almost seems to be non existent. Lofty's eyes soften as he watches your surprised expression. He laughs to himself, feeling rather proud of his home.

You turn your attention back to the books that sit on the bookshelf. "You read?" You look up at the tall creature, having to crane your neck just to see his face. He looks down at you, nodding gently before making his way over to the shelf.

He gently removes a large book, and walks over to you. After squatting to your height, he opens it up, revealing old, worn pages and an odd, unknown text. "This one is in Latin." He slowly explains, flipping through the tattered pages, seemingly reading through the text in his mind.

'This is all so absurd.' You think to yourself, glancing from the book to the wooden creature as he stands up to put the volume back where it belongs. 'A creature that takes care of the forest, reads and speaks Latin while also being able to speak English, and knew that my dog was actually a fairy who can transform into any animal she pleases.'

Out of everything you think, one thing sticks out to you. "If Latin is your native language, then who taught you English?" You quietly ask, brows crinkled as you stare questioningly at a group of fireflies. You're mostly talking to yourself, but are still curious for an answer. His ears perk up at your calm, quiet tone.

Your voice causes a shiver to run down his spine, before he swiftly regains his composure and turns around to face you. You see a sad smile gracing his face. "A young maiden, by the name of Ida." He responds, voice soft and full of sorrow.

You blink, your eyes growing wide with surprise. "You know Ida?" You squeak, tone full of excitement and wonder. You clasp your hands together, your happy expression growing sadder as you watch him drop his head.

"Knew." He responds in a bland tone, staring down at the ground with his ears slightly drooping. It reminds you of a sad puppy. "And yet, you resemble her greatly. It is as if I am speaking to her now." He looks down at you with a soft smile, seeming to examine your facial features before staring into your eyes.

Some emotion is radiating off of him, but you're unsure of what it is. Thankfulness? No, that's not it. 'Love?' Your rosy cheeks darken in color, before you quickly shove that thought away and turn your face away from his.

A clap of thunder booms overhead, causing you to jump and look behind you at the curtain of vines. Lofty's ears twitch as he glances up at the ceiling. The rain quickens, turning from quick pitter-patters into fast, loud sheets.

"When is your date of birth?" Missy swiftly flies up to you, her worried eyes staring into yours. You're taken aback by her suddenly flying in front of you. You blink rapidly, your brain trying to process what she asked.

"Tomorrow," You stammer, pulling your face away from hers. "I'll be eighteen." You quickly add afterwards, crinkling your brows, curious as to why she would bring it up.

She gasps, giving Lofty a look of fright. You eye him with confusion, unknowing of what is going on. He stares into your slightly worried eyes before letting out a soft sigh and looking towards the wall.

"Every daughter born unto the Everton family is to die on their eighteenth date of birth." He slowly states, giving you a quick glance before staring up at the ceiling.

"Ida is the reason of this dark curse being brought upon your family." He explains to you, giving you small glances to make sure you're listening.

His eyes wander to the soft light of the fireflies as he thinks. "The curse was created by a strong Umbra Fae, who goes by the name of Caligo." He growls the name of the fae, scrunching up his face in disgust.

'Caligo.' A voice whispers in your mind, full of poisonous venom.