Eli leaned against the thick trunk of the old tree, his chest rising and falling a little faster than normal. His hands were buried deep in his pockets, but his mind was nowhere near his feet.
He wanted a moment. Just a moment to wallow a little. But the universe seemed to have other plans.
He shifted his position slightly, and there was a quiet crack.
"What the," he turned, only to see something glinting on the wood.
His eyes widened. "Shit."
Attached to the bark was what looked like a thin gold leaf decoration, tucked into the natural lines of the tree. It shimmered faintly under the dying light of day, and the tiny, broken edge where he leaned in made his stomach drop.
"I think that's… really gold." He stared at it in disbelief. "Why is this even here? Who puts gold on trees?"
He couldn't even be sad in peace!
Eli backed away slightly, muttering apologies under his breath to Jace's ancestors, when a familiar voice rang behind him.
