Ivan
Nefera followed Mary in silence. She seemed lost in her thoughts, and I was afraid to disturb her. Yet, whenever my thoughts brushed against hers, I felt a cocktail of emotions. Not for the first time, I wished I could see what she was thinking without her giving me access so I could understand what she was feeling. I couldn't, so I was left deciphering sadness, curiosity, determination, and hope.
Everyone stopped talking when they saw us coming, trying to see what was happening. I motioned for them to make a path as we headed to the back of the building. Brandon, Greg, Ethan, Ben, Vince, and Steven came forward and blocked anyone who tried to break the unspoken barrier. It was a good thing because some of the elves tried to join their mistress. That wasn't about to happen. According to Mary, this didn't have to be a public ritual.
Even when my mother tried to get closer, I shook my head, making her pale.
