'Wow, Mum, that story's a little dark, isn't it?' Mina raised an eyebrow. 'It sounds like you are trying to scare me out of going to Sanctuary.'
Aliah tensed, then forced herself to relax. It had been difficult discussing her fears with Mina, and recounting Emer's demise brought all her own ghosts to the surface. She had to remember that her daughter had no idea what the trial caves were actually like. Also, she had never met Emer, so from her perspective, this was merely a story.
'You asked me to tell you what happened. It wasn't my intention to upset you, Mina. But I hope now you can understand how my own experiences, and the fact that I lost a good friend when she went through her own trial, makes me more than a little bit nervous when you said you are quite happy to put yourself forward for such an ordeal.'
Mina's hand was cool and strong as she reached across and covered Aliah's.