I was home, on the beach at midnight, and there was lightning dancing on the waves.

I loved storms and the sight of all that power spread out before me was both humbling and intoxicating. I wasn't even cold; thick arms held me to a chest radiating heat. Long hair trailed down from above and hung around me like a comforting cloak. I sighed and snuggled deeper into the embrace.

"Vervain,"a voice tickled my ear. "I need you to listen and remember what I say."

I knew that ...