Beyond Center Line

By Lana Freitas

Nearly four years after her coronation, the spirit of Queen Faidence has been exiled to the spirit world and the Northern Forest. However, when severe issues begin to rise in Threa and the spirit world, Faidence's spirit is called to be transformed into her human state and return to Threa to investigate. Soon enough, Faidence begins to realize that this new power is far more dangerous than any myth or legend has foretold. In this compelling and mysterious sequel to At Center Line, Faidence, Henry, and Benjamin come together one last time with some old friends and new allies to defeat the last existence of evil and restore the rightful balance and peace upon Threa and the galaxy. This time, it's forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 14, 2020
• ISBN: 9781684568598

Book preview

Chapter I

Loinbc ov jan anoralo renak coiemer valaner ko zentai xamrls saz telpes. Jan iperka jilses jan pumvel aquince quelpal iye kamvu ov nalioa. Rudj cantoi ce hayi genoiskal nalioa? Akot, hayi wertan ovea to yauten buon duqoi anoralo saz buon meverk zolneb; verlun monco hayi ovea to foqual jan eropas saz onlian ren nalioa.

Faidence.

Alo’s voice penetrated the thick wall of silence that had been bordering me for several hours.

It’s the Councils. They request your presence. It is a serious matter.

I sighed. It always is.

Carefully, my spirit elongated its visibility, and I placed the book of Akot Vani philosophy on the pedestal near the altar. I followed Alo from the temples with my quick meditation of removal from silence.

The clearing was busy with spirits and creatures conversing about a plethora of events in the galaxy and the knowledge within the temples. Alo and I passed through mostly unnoticed and in silence, but my senses were still on edge. My eyes darted from one face to the next, searching for familiarity and questionable glances. I could feel the wind by my spirit become colder and more rigid.

The Councils suspect an unknown magic entering the premises of the spirit world. There are rumors among the spirits that it has already hovered over Threa. Does Henry notice anything? Alo asked. The curiosity was greatly recognizable in his large green eyes.

Last time we spoke, I told him of my recent share of suspicions, but Henry Isaac has not granted me information regarding the status of magic within Threa, I told Alo; he nodded solemnly.

Has he been well otherwise?

I nodded and held back a smile. He is fine. He has been disappointed in my inability to return recently. Otherwise, we are still on good terms.

The ancient building was falling apart, three of the six columns had been decimated by enemy creatures, parts of the roof were caving in, the marble floors were cracked all throughout the interior, the steps of the entrance only existed in the very center, leading to the large, rotting wooden doors. But over the course of a thousand millennia, I thought the House of the Ancestors was looking all right.

I will be in the gathering when you finish, Alo said as we came to the steps.

Up the steps and through the entrance, I made my familiar walk through the halls and past the information tables. After so much history, the House was now also used as a museum in addition to the still necessary court, council area, and meeting area for the ancestors and spirits of the galaxy and, on occasion, the universe. During my long walk, I felt on edge, as if I were being watched. The faces of the security guards always seemed strange, disfigured, and demeneted. Now they oddly resembled the mask of a demon.

The council room was packed. Golden shapes of ancestors rested wearily toward the right side of the hall; vicious spirits, who were somehow qualified to oversee the laws of the galaxy, sat on the left. I saw the other well-known spirits and leaders of the galaxy arguing in the center of the hall upon their well-polished desks and clean linens. In the front of the grand room was the Overlord, the other two Informants, the four Analysts, three Strategic Planners, and the team of five Elites.

Quietly, I took my place by the other two Informants and waited for the hall to be silenced by the call of the Overlord.

The Councils of the Ancestors are in session. I am displeased to announce that there is an unknown and possibly dangerous threat on the premises of the spirit world. There was a slight outburst from the spirits in the center of the hall. We have come to discuss our plan of action. Spirits, please do not cause such a commotion over this, the Overlord demanded.

The meeting lasted for nearly two hours, during which there was bickering, bad news, and a riot. The meetings almost always were conducted in this manner, and I had grown accustomed to the traditions of every section of the hall.

The councils existed since the reign of Antreca, and even before that, which was nearly a million years ago. However, this wasn’t a serious amount of time to the spirits and ancestors. Additionally, the conduct and purpose of the Councils had never been disputed by either side of magic and, therefore, was deemed effective and useful.

In the past few years of my time as a spirit, I was voted onto the council as the Informant for Threa. As the most recent legend to have passed, the current occupier of the Ghost, and a member of the royal family, I was exceptionally useful to the Councils. Luckily for me, this allowed for frequent trips to Threa and, hopefully, a return to humanity sometime in the future.

The dangers of an unknown force are immeasurable! We need to stop bickering about what force it could be and take action! the spirits demanded.

It is decided then, the Overlord finally announced. This was his signal to the council’s assembly to wake up and begin listening to his requests. Our team of Elites will travel to the premises to meet with our Overlords and assess the danger of the problem. The Analysts will begin dissecting the issues, dangers, and effects within the spirit world and other worlds once the Informants return from their assigned planets. Then, the Strategic Planners will decide on an adequate solution to the issue. Agreed? the Overlord called. The councils called a verdict of agreement. Informants and Elites, you have three days’ time beginning at sunrise to gather information of the dangers, history, and possible effects of this force. Analysts and Planners, when they return, you will have ten hours to come to a conclusion. Agreed? The assembly came to a final verdict of agreement.

We were dismissed in a flurry of disappearing spirits, angry creatures, and confused ancestors.

Quietly, I followed the crowd of spirits through the halls of the House to the only public entrance and exit. I noticed the particular silence in the group and grew slightly agitated as the guards sneered in our direction with their strangely demonish faces.

Past the cracked marble floors and deteriorating walls, we came to the exit of the House and went our separate ways. I followed the familiar path to the forest and the valley where the gathering was.

As I came farther from the House, I was able to return to a peaceful state. I watched as the willowy trees and drooping flowers wavered in the careful wind, the multicolored sky reflected a variety of shades of pink, orange, purple, and blue upon the lands of the spirits. In the far distance, I could hear the waves of the seas crashing on the shore; I longed to watch the water.

It wasn’t long before I reached the large, open valley. The grass was the color of emeralds, and the white flowers looked pink and orange from the reflection of the sky. I saw the ruins of the huts and reconstructed buildings in the center of the valley with dirt paths engraved in the grass. Just a few miles beyond the makeshift town was the base of the mountains, and you could see the rocks bulging from the surface of the ground.

I floated over the grass as the wind rushed past and waved the grass before me. My queen, it is good to see you, Valda called in a serious tone with an undermining hint of joyous sarcasm. Once I reached the small gate to the gathering, I acknowledged Valda and her perfect beauty. What did the Councils have to say? she asked. Are you leaving again? Is there another task?

No, I can’t tell you yet. Where is Alo and your husband? I demanded a bit too harshly.

They are in the parlor. They were catching up with some old friends, Valda explained as we walked into the town. I gave no response. You are only this quiet when you have a serious endeavor, you know that, right? Valda mentioned. Again, I had no response. Did you have another quarrel with Henry?

No, I didn’t, and they are not quarrels, they are more like heated discussions. Valda sighed at my comment.

I think your exile from humanity has left you with a lack of perspective on vocabulary, Valda muttered to me as we entered.

The building was obviously a sort of casual restaurant during the time that the town was in use. Inside, the walls were beige with green and purple artwork. Along the left wall, there were three floor-to-ceiling windows that looked into the town plaza. The floor was made with small hexagonal tiles that spread unevenly across the area of the room, and atop the awkward flooring were old wooden chairs, and tables were set by the windows and the center of the room, about four feet from the counter that must’ve been used for exchanges and customer services.

Toward the far back corner, I saw Shen sitting with another dragon-looking creature, and beside them was Alo, sitting peacefully with his small self and big green eyes.

Her Majesty, Queen Faidence Layna of Threa. Shen came toward me and bowed with a gladsome smile on his face. The meeting went all right, it seems. I wasn’t paying attention to Shen but instead was curiously and carefully inspecting the creature that was keeping his distance. Don’t worry, my queen, this here is a friend. Yamen, come meet the Queen of Threa, Shen instructed.

The creature stood awkwardly, his shoulders were raised, his head was down to display his scaly neck and back. The coloring of his scales switched as he stood, they were gray and black now.

"The queen, the Third-Eighty-First-Child, and the Ghost. It is quite an honor. The creature muttered as he lifted to reveal his face. It was the face of a reptile, but it had been badly burned; his eyes were mostly black with specks of gray and gold. I felt my insides retract from his gesture. I was just leaving. I apologize if I was intruding. It was good to see you again, Shen."

The reptile creature left without saying goodbye to anyone. We turned to Shen with questionable expressions and my spirit was slightly agitated from the creature’s secretive nature.

He was looking for work that I no longer offer. He’s fine and doesn’t plan to come back, he explained quickly. But, we do have to worry about Faidence here. The councils were making quite a fuss. Is everything all right? I nodded, and we all settled at the table in the center of the parlor.

The councils are concerned for the force that is hovering over the spirit world. They are sending me to Center Line City by sunrise. I explained, carefully watching their expressions and keeping my posture stiff; the movement outside the window was keeping me on edge.

Have you spoken to Henry Isaac? Shen asked. I shook my head, quickly turning my attention to the group. I felt like there were more people in the room besides Alo, Shen, Valda, and myself.

I will after we are finished.

The spirits in the west are also becoming afraid. There have been riots in the far galaxy, and no one is sure why, Alo explained.

The west is never suspicious or afraid, which tickles me a little. Shen’s accent had me on edge, like it was familiar.

Faidence, you should go speak with Henry. Everything’s fine here, and besides, it’s been about a week or so since. Valda’s eyes flashed specks of reassurance.

Is that all right? I asked everyone, making eye contact with them. They nodded, and Alo smiled, dismissing me from the sort of follow-up meeting.

Once I stood, they continued in small talk for a moment until I left from the parlor.

She is becoming passive, Valda announced to the remaining two, her husband and Alo.

But she knows what is best for her, Alo said.

No, she doesn’t! You just filled her head with all that gibberish about peace and meditation. Now she won’t even tell me about her fiancé! Valda yelled at Alo. He became defensive but held himself back in time for Shen to interfere.

Henry Isaac is not her fiancé, Valda, calm down. Faidence chose the path that Alo provided her. She knew very well that she didn’t have to follow it. Now sit down so we can have a mature conversation, Shen scolded. Valda knew that he was at his edge. They had already been in a small fight once that day.

We do need to speak about Faidence though. Her passiveness is not normal, Alo said. Shen and Valda looked at him with questionable glares. I was overhearing rumors from council members—

Don’t tell me it was from the Elites. They don’t know anything besides how to dramatically put you in a choke hold, Valda grumbled. Alo shook his head.

The Analysts, Shen said. He could read Alo’s expression. The Analysts never shared anything, and if they did, it was a warning.

They have never seen a force so intimidating and strategic. There are rumors that this unknown force is actually unknown. If it is, Faidence will have to return to Threa for a while, Alo explained.

Like, as human? Valda asked, partially outraged. Alo didn’t answer; they just contemplated the many issues with this apparent unknown force.

The wind passed through my spirit even as I gained my most solid form. In the distance, past the fog and falling snow, I could faintly see a darkly clothed figure moving toward me. The sounds of their breath lined up with Henry’s slightly more rapid puffs. From my position in the clearing, I could see the tips of the trees and the sun sneaking behind clouds. Then, if I looked far enough, the roofs of the castle towers could be seen, especially the Northern Tower; it was still dark after three years.

It’s good to see you, my queen. Henry grinned. I could see that he was searching for any sort of exciting news.

We sat down, and I gestured a flurry of magic to the snow where he sat so he didn’t fall into the tall mound. As we sat in the silence for a moment, I was caught off guard by his stare at my hands.

Learned new tricks, I see, he mentioned. I nodded with a faint smile.

I watched his eyes dart around the area. While he was distracted, I examined his eyes and still saw the golden specks that reminded me of the color of honesty and sincerity. I let myself study his face, his appearance, and his figure. I traced his eyes and the line of his jawbone to his neck where his scar was. Along his body, I recognized his royal garments and the thick wool coat that used to belong to my father. I recognized the dark linen pants and the thin robe that showed at his ankles peeking out from the thick jacket. And I could faintly see the thin and colorful vest that hung around him, the vest recognized his royalty and status within Threa.

I had a faint memory of the first time I had seen him in the Northern Forest, when I could feel his presence sneak up on me and I recognized not only his stillness but he was not afraid of me.

I can feel you trying to look at me, he told me, smiling broadly. I looked away quickly, feeling slightly embarrassed. Do you not see humans in the spirit world? Is that why you stare at me so intently? Henry was taking his turn to examine me now. His eyes were so difficult to look at sometimes; they were so sincere that they just melted me.

Finally, I gathered some nerves and managed a modest grin. I’m afraid that I just take great pleasure in inspecting you, Henry Isaac.

There’s not much to inspect, Faide.

Can you not accept my compliment? I shot back with a smirk.

I watched as a stately smile spread across his face. His eyes were showing me how much he wished he could kiss me, but he knew better than to try. Shaking his head, he became silent again and gazed back down at the snow.

Is there a specific reason you have come? he finally asked in all seriousness.

The councils want me here by sunrise. They believe there is a new danger and the force is hovering over numerous planets and even the spirit world, I explained.

I thought the spirit world was incredibly difficult to locate in the galaxy, at least from what you’ve explained, Henry added. I nodded in agreement and continued to look down at the sparkling snow.

That is, unless you know how to find it, which concerns the Councils, I told him; my eyes traced his face and his flashing expressions now. Maybe I will learn how to bring warmth to someone next, I muttered with a concealed smile.

I think that would be nice, Henry responded with a nod to the ground. You know, if you come, he started. I cast my eyes away from our positions on the snow and sighed. We had gone over this many times. Your parents miss you, he finally announced.

I know, we will figure it out, I chided.

That’s what you’ve been saying for over three years. You know how hard it is to see you alive. Your mother has nightmares, your father stops going to meetings. You know that Threa is not meant to be ruled by a single ruler, Henry explained while I looked away.

His body was warming up at the sound of a possible fight. But he compressed, not wanting a fight with me. He knew I could tell what was happening within his brain.

Slowly, I inhaled and exhaled the chilly air; it barely filled my weak and spirit-like lungs. I understand that, Henry Isaac. Our eyes met, and I tried to capture a glimpse of the beautiful honesty that rested in them. But I can’t change their perspective. All I can do is what I’m told. Maybe one day that will bring some peace to my parents, but today is not that day.

*****

Reflections of the vastly colorful sky spilled into the empty temple. The rays from the stained windows lit up the dust in the air like a spotlight. Around me, the many pictures and 2-D paintings stared humbly at me and the emptiness of the temple. Even in the paintings on the ceiling and around the simple hanging chandeliers, I could see the paintings of creatures, spirits, and legends frozen in place of some heroic battle or meditative prayer.

After a few moments of attempting to soak up every detail of the temple, I sat to the left on a carefully woven rug.

Now, I looked down at the dagger, contemplating its beauty and complex symbolism. It was still as perfect as the day it had been given to me, over three years ago, on the night of my birthday.

When I had first returned to Threa, only Henry knew, and this was only weeks after my death. But otherwise, I hadn’t shown myself to my parents until just over a year or so had passed. But the first thing they had done when they recognized that my spirit was alive, they asked for me to take the gifts to the spirit world: the dagger from my father and the necklace from my mother. They told me that these could be tools of memory and as a way to remember everything I had done on August Lunar. Since then, I only revealed them inside the temples, when I felt most at peace and most in touch with Threa and my past.

Holding the handle of the dagger, I pointed it into the ground and bowed my head in meditation and thought. I wondered about this unknown force and its abilities or if it even was unknown. Recently, I had been studying extremely old forms of magic and the theories of origin, I wondered if it had anything to do with this unknown force. But did these theories and forms of magic collide with what I believed?

My mind wandered to memories of my past, my mother and my father, the legends that my father loved, the romance that my mother fantasized for me. These things were so distant now, and I wondered if my parents thought that these things were just as far away. I guessed that my reward was the spirit world and the peace it brought to my spirit, despite the pain it brought to my emotions and the part of me that still loved humanity.

There were only a few hours before I would be sent back to Threa for three days in order to complete my assignment. As I stood from the ground, I bowed to the center of the altar and quietly left the temple to find my cell.

On my short walk to the cell closest to the Northern Temple, I was already contemplating the regulations, rules, and procedures for returning to Threa. They were detailed but not impossible.

I set down the dagger on the stand by my worn and creaking mattress. My cell was small and mostly very dark, which caused me to escape on a regular occasion to be with Alo, Shen, and Valda. Shaped in a square, my single mattress with an old blanket and thin pillow rested comfortably in the far corner of the cell with a stand for my dagger, my necklace, and a candle. At the edge of my bed was trunk with some other weapons and clothing garments. On the wall by the trunk was a photo of Center Line City, a map of the castle, and a picture of the royal family when I had been a child; I had found the picture in one of the history books.

Then, on top of the trunk was a strange-looking plant that I had brought inside and potted after I noticed that it had been dying because it was being choked by weeds outside my cell. I gave the plant the single space of sunlight that poured in humbly from the ceiling and watered it every day. It had flowered once in the year that I had it and smelled faintly like my memories of the castle gardens in the springtime.

Lastly, along the wall of the door was a desk that was partially disintegrating. On it were three thick piles of books on ancient magic and history, pens and pencils, and paper. And then there was my doorframe, small with a thin wooden door, barely holding on to the hinges.

Since I had first come to the spirit world, this had been my home. It was a stark contrast to my luxurious quarters in the castle, but after a while, I came to enjoy the simplicity. I remembered the first time I had come to the spirit world, and I had been so lost I still pitied myself for being so weak and helpless.

After a few days, I found Alo, who knew who I was and treated me with a calm and almost fatherly way. He introduced me to the temples and the libraries, showed me the cell, registered me at the House of Ancestors, and spoke to the Overlord about my presence. Then, he taught me new forms of magic and explained the many differences of the spirit world compared to Threa.

It took nearly two years before I grew strong enough and intelligible enough to understand how to confront my past with dignity and make more constant returns to Threa to see Henry Isaac and my family. Of course, I would return and give advice, try to reconnect, and find time to make closure with my family, but it was all limited, and I had a difficult time seeing them. Also due to my extensive time in the spirit world, I had learned much and had done hundreds of jobs for the Councils, both good and bad. Paranoia and agitation had grown on me, but so did self-control and peace. The change that I experienced was somewhat distressing, and I couldn’t tell if I missed my old life or not.

The light flickered as I shut my eyes to rest. I could still see the little dust particles swiftly moving through the light that shone from my ceiling. Then I saw the small plant atop my truck; its bulb was lifted to the light, as if it was going to bloom. Finally, my eyes closed.

My head felt heavy as I drifted into sleep. I could feel thoughts blur together and fall away, over and over again, like the tides. My image flickered from light to dark and from spirit to human form. Soon, my vision was spinning to my many thousands of thoughts; I saw millions of people, cities, and landscapes. I saw my family and ancestors, spirits from the past and the future.

Once I was captured by the visions, my body felt paralyzed and my mind settled into dark forests with cloudy skies and murky, sticky grounds.

There was a figure lurking through the forests and fields, searching for some sort of prey. Weapons were attached to them like magnets, I noticed how sharp and alive the figure appeared. I knew the feeling of having your senses being on edge; it was exhilarating. The prey was closer now. They were shivering in the bushes just beyond the field, debating if they should move or not.

Suddenly, they saw the weaponized figure, and I realized that the figure was me.

I aimed carefully with an arrow upon the string, aiming at the center of my prey’s head.

I wanted to make myself stop. I wanted to run and awake from the vision. This couldn’t be right.

It wasn’t me. It wasn’t me. It wasn’t me!

But yet, I had done this hundreds of times over again…

This wasn’t a dream or a vision. It was a memory.

The arrow flew and hit my prey in the center of its skull. When I walked over to it, my hands dug into its neck and chest until I found its heart and tore it out. Magic seeped from the plants around me and sucked up the heart and its nutrients. When I turned over my prey and stared into its eyes, I tried to push away the innocent surprise that lay on its face and search for the reason that I had killed it.

There was nothing. And the worst part: I knew who it was that I had killed, and they had been a friend until I turned on them for the money that I sought.

I sat up straight in bed, holding the dagger in my hands. I knew it was a memory; it was so vivid and in perfect detail.

But how?

I knew I had never done such a thing in Threa. And the forests and fields, they didn’t belong to the spirit world or Threa but somewhere else. Somewhere that was incredibly different, enormously strange, and immensely dark.

Now, at the edge of my mattress, on top of the trunk, the flower had bloomed and was soaking up the sun from its premature pot. And now, I had to leave, and I didn’t even get to enjoy the wonderful scent that it brought to my cell. I couldn’t help but smile at the beautiful flower as I gathered the dagger, put on the necklace, and left my cell.

Are you ready? Valda asked. I jumped when she spoke to me. The magic in my spirit flooded to my hands and waited for instruction. Valda just eyed me. You don’t seem ready. I sighed and let the magic soak back into my spirit as I looked around.

I’m fine, just thoughtful.

Or nervous.

I scowled at her and shook my head, almost rolling my eyes. It’s always a challenge to return to Threa. You understand, Valda, do you not? I asked.

Yes, it is. The only difference is that I was in full control of my emotions for my husband.

First, Henry Isaac is not my husband, I said. The magic in my muscles twitched and turned to assess the issue. All I could see were dark entrances into the forests. Second, I cleared my throat, I have much more self-control than I have ever had in my twenty-one years of life.

You’re not alive anymore, Faidence, Valda corrected. I scowled again.

We both know that I am lucky to have my spirit alive right now. She just shook her head.

"We both know you are alive for a reason and a plan. Not just because you’re lucky."

I stayed quiet as we saw Shen and Alo in the distance by the edge of the forests. Together, we walked in silence to the clearing by the mountains where the council members would be waiting with the rest of the assembly.

The sky was turning blue above us, and the council members were finishing their procession around the clearing. I could hear their chants spread across the forests, valleys, and seas in a peaceful manner. Now the three posts in the clearing were growing brighter; the Overlord bowed as he said a prayer, and the council members pounded their posts into the ground. The drums began to crescendo; the higher voices grew to sustain whole notes as the drums continued and the Overlord finished his prayer.

Now the posts were glowing white and gold; the Analysts and Strategic Planners watched as the Elites and the other Informants got in line.

We will see you soon, Alo whispered to me.

Don’t have too much fun, Valda muttered as I continued to the line; I rolled my eyes.

Now, we all watched as the ancestors placed a large cloth atop the stump before the three posts in the clearing. The drums ceased, the prayers ended, the chants abruptly stopped, and there was silence.

Gatrovel maliko kloius nopval ferever eranbui jilse saz naliw xamrl to wuilov iye. Tuwpu yai, haquer co jilser to jan cervnat yuiferbatis saz adawenk aove genali, tillci rewops, saz anuarm to roqul aove saz yibt futalp nuyx. Hayi weolif jan lasentru, jan kutmem, jan akot tawelienis, to ferever yibt ryneb poilert van aquince maliko kloius to aquince kloius ov pumvel. Net nai halitfer o inalo dorlanvi, rudj nai jan roqul saz vicik ov jan nuyx saz awerlm ov iye xaxelli saz kloius.

Fires erupted down the aisle before us, and each of us walked one at a time as we completely relaxed into our spiritual state, accepting the lack of silence and premeditation.

I was the second to last of the Informants to begin the walk down the aisle. As I did, I closed my eyes and began to meditate.

The drums were murmuring quietly; the whispering voices morphed and melted into the sound of the drums. All the Informants and Elites stood in pure meditation in the center of the three posts. All I could hear for a moment were the prayers of the council members, and I could feel their magic transform all of us together. Then, as everything became restricted and my breathing nearly stopped, I continued to meditate.

Vaxi alanwer ze quent ov xaxi, haquer iye nosvax sonsi. Vaxi alanwer ze foramentoi, haquer iye nosvax peant. Vaxi alanwer ze zeitanah, haquer iye nosvax ovel. Gantrofel teia renak net tali van lalini. Ceeh ghen yan to toui yoir jaerlef saz toui yoir olren.

Then meditation ceased, and we all opened our eyes as the magic levitated us above the ground. The drums were holding a steady rhythm, the chant fading into a single phrase.

Haquer mo vinise kamin orenvi. Haquer mo vinise kamin orenvi.

Finally, the magic entered my body, and I felt my veins and bones and muscles realign with my spirit. Energy filled my body with life; my temperature rose and fell as it gained feeling and balance. Skin appeared and shimmered as it coated the veins and muscles of my body. I watched the nerves electrify themselves in my hands and feet; my spine curved up with the feeling of intense electricity. Lastly, cloaks of royalty appeared on me. They tightened around my ribs and chest, scrunching up in my arms and flowing at my waist down to my feet.

All of us turned away from the scene of the Councils to see eight portals, all to different areas of the spirit world and the galaxy.

In my portal, I saw a thin coat of magic reflect my image back to myself. I saw my long and wavy light-brown and golden hair that flowed down to my waist. A larger golden crown sparkled atop my head, coated with my braided and twisted hair. My eyes glowed hazel with streaks of violet, reminding me of who would be on the other side of the entrance. My face was narrower, just as I remembered my mother’s, but warm and gentle like my father’s. Everything was just as it had been when I