Denera "What if we check on anyone called Elena?" I suggested, watching as Rockan's eyes widened in realization. Rockan quickly turned to the book he was holding and began flipping through the pages. Finally, he stopped on a page that had a large family tree drawn on it, with many names scattered throughout. "That's a lot of Elenas," I said, my eyes scanning the family tree Rockan had opened in the ancient leather-bound book. Seventeen distinct names were listed, each one bearing the same moniker. Rockan nodded solemnly. "The first Elena was the original healer's mate, centuries ago. Her husband's name was Stephen." We traced the lineage downward, the branches growing thicker as the generations passed. The names blurred together, a tapestry of intertwined lives stretching back thro

