Heila’s Resolve

The following morning, after a simple family-style breakfast of eggs and oat porridge, Jacques and Talauia retreated from Amahle's cottage to leave her alone with Ashlynn and Heila. 

"Now," the powerful witch said as she poured hot tea for her two young students, filling the room with a fragrance that was warm and slightly minty. "You've had the night to think on it. I've done told you that it's plenty dangerous. Success is not guaranteed. Little Heila," she said, turning her attention to the diminutive horned woman. 

"Jacques told me last night that the notion of you joining Ashlynn's coven only came up because he tried to make you stay behind when it came time to enter the Briar," she said, her dark, sculpted brows lowering as her gaze took in a hint of penetrating sharpness.