Chapter 8

At the sound of the voice, Khyrhyelle turned her head so sharply she hurt her neck. "Uriel, what are you doing here?"

"I just woke up a little while ago. I had to do some thinking and decided I wanted to see you. One of the Guardians told me you were here." Uriel walked over to the fire and warmed his hands.

"You look well rested. How are you feeling?"

"Good. I feel good. Well, for the most part at least. Still feel a little run down and I've got some cobwebs but I'm sure it'll pass." Uriel gestured that he wished to sit next to the High Witch. "May I?"

"Certainly," Khyrhyelle responded and Uriel seated himself. "I would just like to again offer our sincere thanks for your returning Arhyvhynne to us, to me."

"I told you, no thanks are necessary—I'm just thankful I was able to do it. Did you ever find out why Ar, Ariv—"

"Arhyvhynne?"

"Yes," Uriel smiled, "Arhyvhynne. Did you ever find out why Arhyvhynne tried to perform that ritual?"

"Her explanation was rather vague." Khyrhyelle ran a hand through her hair, then pulled her knees up against her chest, hugging them. "She would like us to believe that she was merely testing the theory of substitution in renascency, trying to prove that your… ability is not as unique as it appears."