A slight frown wrinkled her forehead as Alyssa watched Moab turn from the mirrors and the image of the Forest of the First Light. Moab was once again the mighty queen of the fairies in all her splendor, both imposing and powerful, yet, beneath the slight annoyance and the wisdom in her eyes, a touch of hurt played in the shadows.
“You visited the tree without me,” Moab accused without preamble.
“It was time,” Alyssa said, bowing before her queen.
“Yes, but I selfishly tried to put it off,” Moab unexpectedly admitted, and a slight frown touched Alyssa’s brow. “I served the tree my entire life. When it changes the cycle of its existence, it does so out of more than pity and love. I should have realized it provided you with a destiny, but you must first take care of unfinished business to
