"Where did they come from? Are they human?"
"We don't know," Bronoda said, shaking his head. He gulped as he felt Malakai's cold stare settle on him.
"It's the truth, Ninth Vein. I—I swear!"
"Are they invading the stronghold?" Malakai asked next, and Bronoda quickly shook his head.
"No, no. If anything, we're the invaders. When the city decided it was time to develop and populate the Murkroot Hollow, we ran into them."
"You mean they've always been here? Before the city was built?" The question came from Laila, who was visibly surprised when Bronoda nodded.
To think another species had been living right under their noses without them knowing…
"When we reached the forest and began felling the trees, they showed themselves. And they were not friendly."
Malakai turned toward the towering trees with orange like veins snaking across them. Something was definitely special about them.
