Chapter 154: Time To Go Home

Not Belaisle. I knew it the moment I entered the pale green scape, the sullen suns overhead burnt orange and deep red, casting the landscape below in a wash of crimson and harsh lines. The bare earth rippled as I settled, dust rising, to face the small, dark haired young woman who waited for me with a still, patient expression on her lovely face.

I shifted into human form with some reluctance, finding it hard to meet the warm, brown eyes of Zoe Helios. The slim, young Oracle had saved my life once, saved the entire Hayle coven, risking everything to warn me just in time before the Brotherhood came. Just early enough I was able to transport all of us to safety.

A lifetime ago. More than that, it felt like. Eons. Hang on, yesterday, wasn't it? I kept my distance, though I raised one hand in greeting as she smiled gently at me.