Blood Moon Born

Chapter Two

You shouldn't reach across the veil like this, eris-ae Nox.

I miss you, yarund.

I'm not your yarund anymore. Stay away from the Void. Nox can feel you wandering in his realm. He'll snatch you up. Drag you in.

I'm not afraid of Nox.

Foolish.

Are you well?

I am content. I dwell with other hunters, warriors and heroes.

That didn't answer my question.

A laugh. I am well.

I miss you.

You should forget me.

Have you stopped loving me, then?

No. I want you to live your life. In the mortal realm. We'll be reunited in due time. And then you'll tire of me.

I won't be in your realm. I'll be with the murderers, blood mages, and darklings.

I would find you. Take you away from there.

I miss you.

Stay away from the Void, eris-ae Nox. Especially when you haven't fed the Seven.

They're quiet.

They've been feeding on the last few souls you gave them. But their stomachs are almost empty. Can't you feel it? You must feed them before they feed on you.

Perhaps, I'll let them eat me.

You don't want to die.

...No. But I don't know why I want to be alive either.

If we knew our purpose, there would be no point to living.

You're still angry with me.

I'm not.

Yes, you are.

I forgave you. That forgiveness lasts as long as you never try it again.

I told you I wouldn't.

You always told me more lies than truths, eris-ae Nox.

Everyone who knew me by that name is dead. Everyone one I loved is—

Stop feeling sorry for yourself. Stop living in the past. Stop speaking with ghosts. You've forgotten all our elders taught you.

I miss you.

You cannot reach past the veil again. Not until it is your time.

Will you visit me in my dreams, then?

When I can. And Loae?

Yes?

Be careful of your—

A loud rapping at the door snapped Loae out of her connection. She leaped to her feet, snatching up her candles and sweeping out the summoning circle of black sand with the edge of her blanket. She hadn't locked the door; she wasn't used to doors with locks on them.

The handle turned and Kojo burst in, clearly thrilled to see her.

"Loae!" He cried, throwing his arms open. "I'd hoped you were awake, but I planned to wake you up nonetheless. You left the party so early. But I'm sure you were exhausted."

He stared at her for a long moment and sighed, as if relieved to find her there. As if yesterday had been a dream and he might burst into her room to find it empty. "I'm very happy to have you home. Are you...are you happy to be home with us?"