“What will it be like?” Caia asked, finally breaking a silence that had lasted at least an hour. “Passing into another world, I mean.”
Archai took in a deep breath and frowned. “We’ve never done this before,” he replied. “I cannot say.”
“But you will be there? On the other side.”
He nodded. “Not always within sight, but yes.”
Caia looked at the ground for a moment, then smiled. “Will I like you better then? Or will you be just as coy as you are now?”
“Whether you like me or not will not matter,” Archai said as he passed the first tree. He ran his fingers along the bark, his deep-set teal gaze secured on her. “I’ll always be there. You will be with me for all time. Unless, that is, someone removes your eyes.” The cold stare that accompanied his comment sent chills up Caia’s arms.
“I s
