Chapter 168: Revelation Part 1

Are you injured?

Clarence's face is etched with concern as he pegs me with an intense stare. He's still in his true form, the green strands of his beard billowing below his chin instead of the usual blondish-white hair whipping above his head.

Her face has cuts and her wrists are still tied, Reid frowns at me. It looks like they were rough.

Overall, Clarence's mouth remains sealed, you are relatively uninjured?

Yes, I hear myself answer.

Good.

You're sure Sampson and Jothkore will be okay?

They're fine. We were prepared - we knew what we were walking into.

How? I ask.

His eyes hold mine. You told us.

The lavender cloud evaporates and I'm in Reid's arms again, cradled against his chest with Clarence behind us, already transformed to his human facade. It's night, and we're in the middle of the Zingfinold forest. It's the same place I've been before, the same scene when we came to Nerwolix in search of the Nhazual, except this time, it's only the three of us.