Galaad felt a chill wash over him as a smile seemed to form in the air, followed by that same soft, mocking voice that taunted him. "What could possibly trouble you so much, my dear Galaad?" the voice asked, almost amused by his obvious panic.
"How... how is this possible? Valeria... you should be dead!" Galaad blurted out.
A shadow materialized behind him, and Galaad swiftly turned, his eyes widening in surprise. Before him stood Valeria. Her long black hair, braided, fell over her left shoulder. Her eyes seemed to shine with an inner light, and a slight smile graced her thin lips, a smile imbued with both gentleness.
"Greetings, Galaad," she said with calm assurance. She took a step forward, and Galaad, unsettled, instinctively stepped back, his thoughts still in disarray.
"Explain to me what's happening!" he cried out, his hands trembling slightly.
