From behind the throne, a familiar figure walks out, grinning sheepishly at me. Her body is aglow with a golden luminosity, and once more I can feel that ache inside my heart- the symbol of a magical bond, holding me in place. By all sense of logic, Serena shouldn't be here. As she rounds the dais, nodding to her friends warmly as she lifts up the fabric of her puffy crimson dress to make it down to me, I get the feeling she doesn't know either.
"You know," she whispers over the shocked silence, positioning herself at my side. Giving me a faint jab in the ribs, she smiles softly, obviously having pried into my thoughts.
She is getting better at this.
"You are right. I shouldn't be here. Last I checked Azrael had me locked away in a palace full of entranced faeries. In fact, I am almost certain there was a magical barrier around the whole place to stop anyone escaping. Are you certain I am not dreaming?"
