When the Elvenhome drew near, she smelled it first – maple, myrtle and peculiar wood.

Since the realm was protected by the powers of Juniper's magic, the bridge of Bridge could not be accessed for entry – only exit. But Waverly traveled with a companion bearing similar powers as his mother and it was a piece of cake to breech the border.

They simply trotted in.

She threw a glance at Judson as his powers reached out to touch Juniper's, creating a wide passage in thin air. The shimmering line of light formed a circle that she smiled up at whilst passing under it.

Reaching the other side, the border closed up behind them.

"The last time I was here," Judson reminisced humorously, alighting his horse while his eyes traveled the quiet forest. "I took two arrows; one to the shoulder, and the other—"

"Your thigh." Waverly completed with a knowing smirk.

He came up to grab her firmly below the waist and lift her down from her horse. "How did you know?"

Her hands stayed put on his shoulders. "Elves will immobilize the limbs first before other parts of the body. It gives them a far better advantage of winning a fight."

"I forget sometimes that you were raised in Elvish customs." He chuckled, guiding her and the horse toward his own.

Chestnut tailed quietly. The fact that he did not try to sniff or scout the environment was proof he felt comfortable in it.

"And I lived over a year with them, too." She added, glancing about like he had done. "Isn't it queer? The Eastern border is never deserted."

"Believe me, it is not."

As soon as the words were out of Judson's mouth, movements became audible. Waverly was a bit startled when he pulled her to stand behind the safety of his wing, completely obscuring the forest from her view. His stark white feathers, however, were quite a pleasant replacement.

For some reason, she stayed still, even up to the moment she heard him sigh in relief.

"Oh, by the sails of Gayl!" A female voice gasped, her faint footsteps hurrying forward. "You've returned!"

"And I have brought a friend."

Waverly watched his wing fold slowly and her eyes fell on whom he was speaking with. The first thing she noticed was that Phyllis's hair was a rich dark brown. Secondly, it was braided. And lastly, the She-Elf was frozen to the spot.

She broke a grin, regarding her old friend, who had obviously grown so much that she was almost unrecognizable.

"I can't believe it!" Phyllis's whisper was soft and shaky. Tears rolled down her face like raindrops.

Because she was still frozen to a spot, unmoving, Waverly felt obligated to walk to her instead. She cupped the She-Elf's face, coaxing more tears now from both their eyes.

"You're. . . here."

Waverly nodded, unable to peel her gaze off Phyllis's. It felt unreal that she was standing before her. "I can't believe it either."

"mir helédira." Phyllis whispered, drowning her in the tightest hug. (My sister)

For a time, they were glued to each other in silent reunion, until a battalion of Elves swarmed the clearing, all dressed in armor. Waverly detached from Phyllis, noting their faces as each took off his helmet. It came as such an overwhelming relief just being in their midst.

The She-Elf turned to the group, smiling amidst tears. Her voice thundered when she began to speak.

"Sersa Añdéra u'orist imalnor!" (The High-She has returned)

The battalion responded by each Elf unsheathing his sword and holding it out in salute.

Phyllis paced along the front line as she went on. "Queno! Pehoh hendor grath! " (Attention! Make ready horns)

The army responded with rattling whatever could make noise on their armor; those with shields held them up for the ones with swords to strike against, but the growing ruckus was done in an orderly manner.

"Ti pasat u'orist mé anor preñan tessē; échi tehro ti eram arirovel. Elu béreso ti neri." (The time has come to tell the Seven; carry the news in all tongues, take the long roads."

Waverly felt Judson come to stand beside her and grabbed the crook of his arm for support. The atmosphere was super charging with palpable thrills; a sensation she had almost forgotten was once very familiar to her – a sensation she loved more than anything else.

"Neséris eram boñne ti tessē Sersa Añdéra u'orist imalnor." (Let all the realms know the High-She has returned!)

In the wake of Phyllis's last phrase, horses filled the place out of nowhere and some of the Elves began to mount them. Heralds, Waverly knew they were. And as they broke through the border in majestic galloping, she knew that news of her return was about to go worldwide.

"Wow!" Judson muttered, gaping at Phyllis. "You did not even hesitate for a second."

She smirked and went over to throw friendly arms him. "It's wonderful to have you back!"

"I will admit I was feeling left out." His voice came out in a slight muffle, coaxing small laughter out of Phyllis.

"I missed your sense of humor, too."

When she came to stand in front of Waverly, sentiment washed over her lovely features again.

"I do not even have words what to say." She laughed, taking a strand of Waverly's hair to examine. "You finally grew it out!"

"I missed you, too."

After a second round of hugs, Judson finally revealed the main purpose of their visit. If anyone could pull of looking worried and angry at the same time, it was Phyllis. The disapproval on her face could easily rival HalfHyde's.

"We must see the King at once!"

At that, Judson hesitated. "I doubt I would be welcome."

"Are you joking?" Phyllis questioned, lifting an eyebrow. "You went in and out of the Chasma and you brought Waverly out with you. He owes you the respect, and trust me, he will have no choice but to stay his sword in the face of such a feat."

Then, she beamed at Waverly. "I know the people will be dying to see you. Come!"

The Woodlands looked very different from the last time Waverly had been there, though not to an  unrecognizable degree. Given how much of a blow half the realm received during the Great Unrest, it came as no surprise that growing things took a lot longer to recover. Regardless, the Elvenhome felt as serene and lovely as it was once.

Phyllis led the way on a brown stud with thick legs and pitch black mane, whilst Waverly rode with Judson on his own. Hers had been taken by one of the Elves for grooming. The ride was quite lengthy because the King's abode was located in the heart of the realm, sitting on top of the Glassfall sea like a gem on a diadem. Waverly remembered the gleaming pathway – often covered by seawater according to the tide – that ran a long way down to the Palace gates.

Nothing about the Royal compound felt different. A lot of things were the same in Waverly's eyes though they felt brand new because it was years since she saw them. She felt very tempted to ask if the King had been informed beforehand of their coming, then remembered that Phyllis was a Commander and had the authority to speak with the King on impromptu affairs.

When they halted inside the compound, her breathing became shallow. A faint smile almost curved her lips when Judson's arms knowingly wrapped around her midsection to provide a sense of balance. His face pressed into her neck for a moment before he alighted the horse and helped her off.

"I request to speak with his Majesty at once on a very urgent matter!"

The soldier being addressed made to refuse, then his eyes fell on Phyllis's company and he gave a quick nod before ushering them in.

The more she walked, the weaker Waverly's knees grew. She tried with all her might to keep from collapsing. The fabric of Judson's sleeve locked in her fist was the only thing tethering her balance. She could barely regard the throne room when she entered it nor make sense of the slight commotion that seized the King's council upon sight of the visitors.

"Unbelievable!" The Elf King exclaimed in utter surprise, rising from his throne.

Waverly thought it used to hang above the ground before. Now, the grand chair and others were within eye level.

"Delirén." Phyllis bowed in haste to the king first, then regarded the council with a second bow before speaking. "You must forgive me for this interruption, but we are in dire need of your help." (Lord)

Just then, Waverly's knees gave out and she fell in a dead faint.

The feel of cold water soaking through her clothes forced her eyes open. She felt bewildered – first because it was raining so much, and secondly because she was out at sea; and Judson was kneeling over her sleeping figure, his icy cold hand pressed against her right cheek. Great splashes bathed her face on repeat, blurring her sight. The sound of violent thunder and angry roars of the sea made her shiver even worse than the cold itself.

"Judson! You have to leave her now!"

Phyllis's voice seemed to have come from a great distance.

Waverly felt lifeless. Her limbs were jelly and her head felt like stone down to the nape of her neck. She could neither stir nor blink, or even speak. But a sob built up in her throat when Judson gave her a sad look that she knew well. He was going to leave. She wanted to plead with him to stay – to explain what was going on.

But her voice seemed nonexistent.

He bent low to place a feathery kiss on her nose. Then, swaying recklessly, he managed to stand to his feet, spread his wings and soar out of sight.

The moment he was gone, Waverly felt her insides drain, as if she were being emptied of all life. Her eyes widened to a strange sensation that seemed to be creeping from underneath – where she could not see or look – like a gigantic hand reaching out to grab her. The raging storm around grew to deafening heights; lightning crackled in unsuspecting sequences and huge waves rose over her head from left and right, roaring as they crashed only metres away.

Then, without warning, the piece of land she laid on sank with a strange, forceful pull. Water rushed over her body and blurred the world above.

The farther she drowned, the lesser she could hear the storm. Also, she realized that the platform on which she had been lying was no longer under her back. She was sinking like an anchor, watching daylight dim out within seconds.

Eventually, she came to a halt.

Though her body still felt like metal, it did not move again, rather floating in a single spot. An almost deafening calm within the depths made her dare to relax. Somehow, she got the impression that she was waiting for something despite not knowing exactly what.

Her answer came in the form of a man. . . or at least, the figure of a man. It appeared more as if the waters had taken the shape of a masculine human being.

Since she could not speak or swim away, she opted to stare like a blank piece of parchment.

And with the speed of light, it rushed her.

To her surprise, the attack did not even feel like one. Instead, she felt waters seep right through her skin, like a painless sword being thrust into her spine on repeat. It had no temperature whatsoever, but left her completely weak. Then, she felt currents rush up into her head. Her eyes turned blurry and she caught a quick glimpse of Hekate's image melting away, as if it were never there to begin with. Ãghar's sting was dissolving and her soul fought to disentangle from its hold.

As the process came to an end, the waters – now very warm – escaped her eyes like a fountain of tears. Whilst this happened, she began to float up toward the surface again, slowly but steadily.

By the time her head broke through, she felt her strength return in full.

"Hlsana!" Judson called out, rushing into the waters to swim to her.

He caged her in a hug, his shoulders trembling slightly. She melted into his embrace, sighing in relief.

"Are you alright?" He brushed her wet hair back, planting kisses on her forehead.

"I think I am now!" She smiled. "But I feel starved."

When they had both waded back to land, where Phyllis was waiting alone, Waverly got the chance to glance around.

"What is this place?" She asked in a small trembling voice that was more a result of cold than fear.

"It be called the Feet of Gayl." A newcomer replied. King Javan was flanked by four soldiers, two Elven maids in blue gossamer, and his wife, the Queen. He was walking down a flight of wide, emerald green steps that led down to the platform on which they all stood.

Waverly lowered her head in a reverential bow to the Elven royals and noticed that she did not feel at all lightheaded. Usually, her sense of balance was triggered by such head movements. It made her curious.

Thankfully, the king went on speaking as he came near to them.

"Tis sacred place be home to the healing waters of El Orogir Odros."

Waverly peered over her shoulder and really drank in the environment. The room measured about a quarter the size of Gayl's very own underwater abode. Still, it was massive. She calculated that it could house a million Elves were a greater portion of it not made up of enchanting blue-green waters. Hundreds of feet above them was a strange roof shaped like a narrow tunnel, but with a solid and visible flat surface at its very end – an obstruction to any kind of unauthorized entrance.

The platform they were all standing on was the only piece of land, interconnected by wide steps – one flight to lead in and another to lead down to the waters.

Overall, the place was reminiscent of a partial underwater cavern.

"It be the time of our ancestors that tis place became of great significance albeit small use." King Javan went on, his tone becoming more solemn. "These waters be the same that birth Ereleñ before the time of the Elder Elves. They hold powers beyond fathom." (Nixies)

Waverly felt her knees quivering. Her strange experience not too long ago suddenly made sense and left her wondering if the being she saw underwater had been Gayl himself, or Tumut, or someone that kept charge over the waters but was linked to both gods.

"So, have I been cleansed?" She asked, clasping Judson's hand, though she did it out of habit than a need for support.

"Not wholly, my dear." The Queen provided with a ghostly beam.

Waverly could tell the She-Elf was glad to see her, but was holding back for courteous reasons.

"You will need to come down here everyday for cleansing." This time, Phyllis spoke, touching her friend's shoulder. "Hekate's divine powers are stemmed from a godhead. She carries a portion of Yage himself. Only the powers of a godhead may contend against the powers of his kind."

"In the meantime, you will stay in the court of the Nurses." The Queen went on. Then, she looked a bit nervous, stealing a small glance at her husband. "There is much to be discussed. Come!"

She held both of her arms out and Waverly obliged at once. Though unsure of what the subject would be, she got the feeling the discussion had much to do with Judson's return. His return to the Elvenhome was a stab and very personal to the Elf king, whose decree on Judson's ban was losing its worth by the minute.

Still dripping wet from head to foot, Waverly traipsed up the steps with the Queen by her side and emerged through a doorway right into the empty throne room.

Then, it all made sense.

The cavern was inside the left foot of the giant statue of Gayl. When she watched the soldiers slide its square shaped door close, she understood why such a place was being kept secret.

She returned to nestling into Judson as the Queen went to stand by her lord.

"I will come to speak with ye by the  end of dusk." King Javan said in an indifferent tone. In no way had he aged physically. He looked just as Waverly remembered him.

Then he spun about, speaking directly to his soldier. "See her escorted to the court safe and sound."

With Phyllis and the soldier in tow, Waverly was taken to the court of the Nurses, which stood nestled between the Almshouse and a huge rampart of dark bricks.

The tale behind the structure was a fascinating one because it had been raised discreetly and in the atmosphere of battle - used as a point of defense and also protection for those that live nearest the outskirt. Now built yards away from the wall was a dwelling place for the Nurses.

Waverly's grin was wider than the Glassfall sea when she saw all four of them again, standing in a row and adorned in wonderful decorated silk. They each took turns to embrace her like reunited kin.

Then, the one she recognized as Sage came forward. "Tis be the fate of she whose victory is sung across all the realms to overcome darkness's manacle and pay reverence to the Elvenhome a second and third time. We welcome you, daughter of Alluña."

Sage took her by the hand and led her across the wide hall. Its interior boasted of warmth and color, and nature, and winding flights of stairs facing two different directions that led into unseen hallways. The floors and walls were a mix of storiations and smooth marble; golden lanterns hung from above to brighten dark corners, and square openings at every turn allowed fresh air to stream in as well as a wonderful view of the paradisiacal surroundings outside.

At last, Waverly was brought into a different room.

It measured two times smaller than the rest of the main hall, was a lot more private and cozier, and the only one with windows to bar its square cut opening. A distance from that stood a lovely bed across from which was a long lounge chair set upon a beautiful rug. If not that it contained less decorative items, the room could have passed as one of many in Vanita's ocean side castle.

Judson strolled over to the window and looked out, studying the gardens below. His eyes suddenly shone.

"How did you find that flower?"

Settling into the chair to ease the fatigue in her legs, Waverly paused in wonder of what he meant and glimpsed him stretching a hand out. In the next instant, a stem had curled around his fingers, bringing with it a row of odd looking flowers. As he plucked one off, the stem retreated out of sight.

"I grew this a long time ago," he recalled, cradling the flower as he brought it to her.

The faint reddish bloom had glossy, delicate petals and an incandescent filament. Waverly took a close look at it and remembered where she first saw such a plant.

"In Lakerbein." She gasped. "It's that healing flower you didn't have a name for."

"It be called féyeroth now," Sage said with a smile. "for the sun's light does it provide at dusk."

"Where did you get it?"

"Féyeroth grows now upon the surface of Lakerbein waters. Their seeds were brought to us some seasons ago."

Judson gaped a little. "Fascinating! I only dropped their petals in the water, and there was that one root sticking out. If only I knew it would spread."

"A kind service ye bestowed even then, for those of nativity now draw from the healing powers of féyeroth."

Then, Sage turned to focus on Waverly. It was at that time she noticed that Phyllis and the palace soldier were absent. Perhaps both had halted inside the main hall. Also, of the Nurses, only Sage had accompanied her upstairs. It made her wonder if something was about to happen.

"Rest now." The Nurse advised. "Ye will observe private audience with his Highness in tis room." She looked at Judson. "As will ye."

With that, she rose to her feet. Inside the room, her stature was not as imposing as it should naturally have been. "Food and drink will be provided at once."

As soon as she traipsed out, a young Elven maid brought in a brass tray. Inside was a steaming herb mixture, bread, a warm bowl of milk, grapes, and some greens. Waverly could not grasp how quickly she chewed and drank everything, except for the herb mixture.

"Go on now!" Judson urged, eyeing her adamantly. He knew she was going to avoid it.

She made a face. "It smells strange."

He brought the bowl up and let the steam bathe his face. "That is indeed strange! But you still have to drink."

"What if it makes me drowsy?"

"A good outcome."

"What if I stay up for three days?"

"I doubt it would. I am sure the Nurses put in much skill to make this just for you."

She held out a hand to accept the bowl then faltered with a whimpering groan.

"Alright!" He sighed, "I will take the first sip."

He brought the bowl to his mouth and as soon as the liquid met his lips, his left eye twitched hard in reaction. His expression assured Waverly that the drink was outrageously bitter.

"Aha! I knew it!" She pointed out.

Out of nowhere, he smiled. "There is nothing wrong with it. I was just faking. Here! It actually tastes good."

Waverly eyed him for a moment, then accepted the bowl. There was no reason to disbelieve his claim. Without hesitation, she downed the mixture. Just as he said, it tasted nice and had a texture different from what it looked like.

"I still don't know who's more dramatic - me or you." She voiced while he put the brass tray away.

He came back to sit next to her on the chair. "Perhaps we should take a vote. Ask your father. I doubt you would lose."

Instead of a response, she fell quiet, staring at him so much that he noticed the clear signs of worry on her face.

"Is something the matter?" He held out his hands for her to scoot into and lie against his chest.

"I'm worried for you." She mumbled, toying with loose fabric in his shirt. "I dread what the king might decide concerning your return."

His little sigh was more profound in her ear. "I care very little about what he might do to me or say against me. All I want is for you to get better and if I have to be punished to achieve that, then so be it."

"I don't want you to be punished." She glanced up at him. He was staring with a small, warm smile. "I think he understands how desperate you were. I'm hoping he does. I wouldn't be able to bear it if he makes you leave. I'll go with you."

He shook his head so gently that she almost did not see it move. "You should not. No matter the outcome, you have to stay here and get better."

At that, she briskly sat up. "What use will it be if my mind's not at rest?"

"Hlsana, you have to understand that whatever the king wants to do with me is not inexcusable." His face was morphing into a very troubled one. "I did horrible things to them."

"It wasn't you!" She stressed.

"You believe that, and so do I. But does he? He's the king. His decree has been standing ever since the day we left the Elvenhome. I broke it by coming back, not just once, but twice. He stands within his rights as sovereign to do as he sees fit."

Waverly's heart was showing cracks by then. It took her by surprise that she broke into tears so fast. But Judson came to console her.

"You have always been the most important thing to me." He mumbled right next to her ear. "I would endure a thousand punishments just to keep your wellbeing a priority. I want you to understand that."

"I don't want you to get hurt because of me." She sniffled, stroking his face.

"I am not worried about what the Elf king thinks of me. In fact, the only Elf whose opinion matters to me is HalfHyde's. And now that he and I have no differences, nothing else matters."

In spite of her sad self, Waverly broke a smile. "We never thought the day would come."

"And yet it did." He grinned, wiping her tears. "Now, stop crying! You happen to still look very angry even when you cry."

"Because I was." She confessed, sniffling again.

"Your friends are going to storm in here soon." He cautioned, glancing at the doorway. "If they see you like this, it might give the impression that you are a bigger melodramatic than Diarmaid. We cannot let that happen."

Waverly genuinely laughed at that. "I still cannot believe you have joined the bandwagon for 'Diarmaid derision'."

"I promise it is nothing but harmful jocularity," He chuckled. "And I was initiated by Maraeti."

Her eyebrows went up, "Who?"

Judson's smile wavered, but his gaze was steady. "Did I not tell you already who Maraeti was?"

Waverly shrugged, unable to recall such a thing. "No."

He humphed softly. "You should sleep a little."

He gestured to his lap and she placed her head there, allowing his fragrance and the tender strokes of his hand on her hair lull her to sleep.

However, the moment her eyes closed, they flew open again.

Waverly sat up with a gasp, frozen by shock at the sudden change of environment. She was lying on her side in a corridor of dark stone, dressed in the same gown she had worn upon falling into Nys, only it was newer and cleaner. The room was full of more corridors into which she could see multiple hallways bleeding into each other, all dimly lit and ominous. She glanced up and saw that the roof was pitch black, dotted by luminous things she could not decipher. They looked like stars, but she doubted they truly were.

The stone floor was wet and the room was freezing. She sat up with a strong shiver and pushed herself to stand. How she had suddenly come to be in such a place was more frightening than the idea that she could really be in it.

"Jud?" Her voice shook, barely above a whisper, yet it carried into every corridor, echoing off stone cold walls in a way that made her tremble with fear.

Her bare feet made soft tapping sounds against the wet ground with each quivering step she took, hands fisted on both sides of her and her eyes darting across the strange room for the slightest grasp of understanding.

"Jud, are you here?" She whispered again, looking about. Again, her voice echoed and goosebumps rose across her chest, back and arms. She was uncertain yet why the echoes were scaring the life out of her.

"This way." A soft whisper came from the wind far behind her.

She turned with a jump, clasping her mouth to muffle a loud gasp. By now, tears were stinging her eyes. It all had to be a nightmare.

"Jud?" Her voice had become a pitiful sob. "Please, help me."

"Come this way." The whisper came again. She could not tell if it were male or female. It was soft and gentle, but that did not assure her that it was safe to obey.

Left without a choice, she staggered through the corridor and came into a long hallway full of more corridors. Each looked exactly the same from brick to brick and water polished the floors. With her breath shaking in her chest, Waverly walked like a toddler, her legs shaking as if she had never used them in her life. She kept close to the walls for fear of being attacked by something from one of the corridors.

Fear made brimming tears dry up in her eyes and she found that as she walked on, she felt more curious than wary.

After curving a few times, she emerged into the same room she had started from. The only way she could tell were by the blue dots hovering in darkness in the roof. Her knees began to knock. There was no way out. It was likely that every corridor simply led back to the starting point.

Unable to hold back anymore, she sucked in a long sob and screamed at the top of her lungs, "Jud!"

The whole room quaked, like a sandcastle pushed by the wind, and bits of stone fell like an avalanche. But in a snap, everything went back to normal.

"No escape, yet I want to watch as you. . . try." The voice returned again with a quiet snicker. It rose and fell, as if the speaker meant to be heard only a few times.

Waverly gritted her teeth, growing feebly angry. It had to be Hekate. If that was the case, then she was caught in another mind game.

"Ah, ah! " Hekate dismissed, reading her thoughts. "Time for games are over. I want. . ."

A cloud of black smoke streamed out of the nearest hallway and puffed in her face. Inside the darkness, she saw Hekate's evil face clear and her heart turned to stone.

". . . revenge! "

Before she could react, Waverly found herself on the chair again, lying on the crook of her left arm. But the room was empty. In fact, the chair was the only thing in existence all around her. Everywhere else was too dark. Her position was no different, only illuminated by the weakest of natural light enough to make out shadows.

A hand caressed her hair and took up a handful. She looked up in time to see Hekate's fingers let go of her hair before the goddess faded out of sight.

"You have defied me for the last time, moon scum." Her voice was everywhere. "Yes, you may run, but you cannot hide. Swim in all the sacred waters of the world; kneel at Gayl's very own feet and beg for cleansing. None of it will do you good. Your soul has been pierced by my malice and hatred. It cannot be rid. My torment lives in your very being – woven into your existence. It has no source, no exact resting place. You will seek healing forever and you will never find it."

"You lie!" Waverly sat up, peering in search of the goddess. In spite of herself, the words she spoke sounded foolish to her.

"You don't believe that because you alone know what you suffer."

"I will get rid of you."

"Me? Yes. But my burden? Never! It is a curse you will carry until the day you draw your last breath."

"Stay away from me!" She coiled her legs up as soon as movements began to stir inside the black liquid that she did not realize was flooding the foot of the chair. The ripples were serpent-like.

"I will! But my children won't!"

Just then, something slimy leaped out of the depths and clamped at her face. Waverly let out a bloodcurdling scream that lasted minutes, struggling to dislodge the ice cold creature.

Then, arms gripped her tightly. White light broke through her vision, washing the scenario away, but even then, she was caught up in vigorous kicking that she could hardly realize she had woken up.

That is, until Judson kissed her.

She felt herself fall back slowly into the soft chair, his weight bearing down pleasantly on her body, his hands reaching around to hold her in place and close to himself.

She allowed herself calm, sighing into the kiss. He retracted long enough for her to confirm it was him, before his mouth covered hers again. This time, he seemed hungrier and more persistent.

Then, he pulled away to look into her face. "Nightmares?"

She nodded meekly, leaning into the feeling of his open hand as it cupped her cheek.

"I am here, Hlsana!" He brought his forehead to rest against hers, calming her even further.

For a while, he said nothing. All she could hear and feel was his warm breaths as each one came and went. Bit by bit, he melted into her in a smoldering hug, his hair caressing her ear and bare skin. The feel of him alone banished the ugly dream she just had and made her forget about it altogether.

At last, he pulled back – very slightly – to look straight at her again. His eyes carried a hint of emotion she thought was completely foreign.

But when he spoke, he sounded like himself. "Our friends have come."