FAYE
As I left the training ground, I went straight to my room, dragging myself toward the bed, intending to collapse, when the sharp trill of my phone startled me. It was lying on the blanket, vibrating against the sheets. For a moment, I considered ignoring it...whoever it was could wait. But then I saw the name on the screen.
Mother.
A sigh escaped me, part longing, part dread. I hadn’t heard her voice in weeks, maybe longer. The ache of home rushed through me in a flood...our house at the edge of Silver Hollow. I hadn’t realized how much I missed it until now.
I snatched the phone and answered.
“Mother.” My voice came out soft.
“Faye, my darling!” Her voice was warm, bubbling with the kind of joy only mothers seemed capable of. “Oh, thank the goddess, you picked up. I’ve missed h
