Ava: A Meeting of Allies

Dr. Blackwell—or, as Lisa calls him, the Grand Sage—holds out his hand for a very human handshake, his eyes twinkling in my direction. "It is good to finally meet you, Ava Grey. I've heard so much about you."

From who?

"Hello," I offer cautiously, despite knowing he's one of the good ones. His handshake is firm, even if his hand is as small as a child's.

"It will be good for magic to flourish once again," he continues, and I blink.

"Excuse me?"

Dr. Blackwell's words hang in the air, and I'm not sure how to respond. Magic flourishing? What does that even mean? Before I can formulate a coherent question, Kellan clears his throat.

"I apologize for the delay in bringing Dr. Blackwell," he says, his voice oddly stiff.

Lisa's reply is equally stilted. "It's okay."