Thornhedge

by T. Kingfisher

Surrounded by child-eating swamp spirits, Toadling felt intensely loved.

Toadling began to laugh because if she didn’t, she would cry immediately.

“Call if you need me,” he said, curling his lips back from his teeth. “Maybe I’ll come. Maybe I’ll drown you.” “You can’t drown me,” said Toadling, amused. “Then I’ll take you home instead.”