It was nearly three when Xander returned to Silver Pine. Abigail and Master Arwin were helping the villagers bury their dead, and the only surviving priest had been called to perform their last rites.
Only one remained alone in the darkness, her awaiting eyes glued to the road ahead and her nervous feet tapping the ground continuously.
"It's been over an hour since you left. Just what the hell do you think you're doing?" Leena pounced on Xander as soon as he entered the village. "Do you think no one ever deserves an explanation from you? Not even me?"
Xander could see the troubled expression on her face, but he assured her that she was just worrying about nothing. "There are no other portals nearby. You don't need to get all riled up."
"I'm not worried about Ethereals. I know you can handle them," Leena replied.
"Then what?" Xander questioned nonchalantly as he tried to walk past her, but she stopped him.
