I was home, on the beach at midnight, and there was lightning dancing on the waves.
I loved storms and the sight of all that power spread out before me was both humbling and intoxicating. I wasn't even cold; thick arms held me to a chest radiating heat. Long hair trailed down from above and hung around me like a comforting cloak. I sighed and snuggled deeper into the embrace.
"Vervain,"a voice tickled my ear. "I need you to listen and remember what I say."
I knew that voice, but I couldn't place it. I turned my head to look up at the speaker, but all I could make out was the flash of lightning in his eyes. The darkness swallowed everything else.
"I'll remember,"I said and reached out to touch his face. Maybe if I could feel him, I'd figure out who he was.
He took my hand and pressed i
