Chapter Twenty-FourWith a deep, cleansing breath, Kelia removed her hands from the Stone. She did not speak or turn around right away, which alarmed Maeve.
Maeve also noticed that her friend's posture had changed from the last time they had performed this ritual. Rather than being slumped in defeat, Kelia's shoulders remained firm and confident. When she finally turned around, her face did not bear the haggard despair she'd displayed at seeing the wanton destruction of all she knew and held dear, but faint hope.
“Kelia?” Maeve asked, leaning forward in anticipation. “What is it?”
She didn't reply. Instead, her mouth formed a wisp of a smile.
“Protectress?” asked Liana, standing next to Maeve. “Has something changed? Are we no longer in danger?”
Kelia shook her head. “I'm afraid that p
