Chapter 357

The flight was long and boring. Katelina bounced between clutching the arms of the seat, wandering to the bathroom, and raiding the kitchen for drinks and snacks. Each time Verchiel was stubbornly "at his post" and each time she ignored his attempts at conversation.

Boredom took its toll, and eventually she drifted off into dreams. She stood in heavy spring garden. A storm rumbled in the distance and the thunder made her jump.

"Do not be afraid."

She spun around to see someone standing in the shadows. His long black hair hung down his back and a soothing wave of comfort rolled out from him and enveloped her.

"It's not the thunder. It's everything else." Munich. Malick. Samael. There was so much to worry about, yet as the peace stole over her the worries drifted away.

"They cannot harm you. Nothing can."

She let her eyes roam over the heavy headed flowers, to the gathering clouds. "Because I'm dreaming?"

"No. Because I am here."