Althea stood by the window, staring out quietly. Protective barriers surrounded the inn where she was staying, and mages patrolled the area with steady vigilance.

She took a deep breath as she watched the sun sink below the horizon. All she could do was hope that Gavriel was safe and that he would return to her soon.

But a nagging feeling refused to leave her. Whoever that mysterious man was, something told her that she was what he wanted or perhaps the strange energy within her.

If he ...