Chapter 86

　　Maya

　　Despite Finn's earlier claim, the tree of life is what I expected—vast and colorful, with branches reaching out in every direction. The colors on the leaves are shifting in every color of the rainbow, and voices, whispering, and snickering surround me.

　　Finn walks closer to the tree, and I hug his thumb. "Those whispering voices... What are they?"

　　A gasp leaves Finn's mouth. "You can hear them?"

　　"Yes." My eyes are locked on the tree. "And I can't focus on anything else while they are giggling."

　　Finn stares at me for a fleeting second, then part his lips. "They are called sprites, and some people, with magical blood in their family, can either see or listen to their voices." Finn shrugs one massive shoulder. "Sprites also like to hang around me for some reason. They never leave me alone, but don't worry—they are entirely harmless."