THALIA slowly opened her eyes. A dull ache throbbed in her head, and with trembling fingers she reached up to touch it, as if to steady her thoughts. Bit by bit, her consciousness stirred, pulling her back into the harsh grip of reality. Horror swept across her angelic face when she realized she was no longer in the lodge. Fear clawed at her chest — until her gaze fell upon Saintess Iris. Relief washed over her at the sight: Iris was on her knees, eyes closed, hands clasped tightly in fervent prayer. Slowly, Iris opened her eyes, and when they met Thalia’s, a sorrowful smile touched her lips.
Thalia struggled to sit up; her voice was urgent and unsteady. “We need to escape, Lady Iris.”
The last thing she remembered was being at the lodge, preparing to depart. Suddenly, a surge of black
