*Raven*

Mother wakes me early, her excitement and anxiety evident in her face and posture. 

“He’ll be here tonight,” she breathes out, standing over my bed. “We must prepare. The soldiers will be close behind him.” 

I sit up quickly, trying to process her words.  “Were you able to mind-link with him?” I ask breathlessly. “Did he say anything about Kieran?” 

“I’m afraid I haven’t been able to speak with him,” she tells me, her bravado ...