re's

tantly filled the air. Before I knew it

air

around me in a tight hug. I froze for a se

d, pulling back a little. "You

softly. "You sounded

I got in! Texas Fashion Univ

. "I can believe it," I said so

up the whole room. I waited for her to

said, "I got

wide. "What? C

arlier. I was just waiting for you t

ling me into another tight hug. "We're going t

her excitement and warmth.

in the living room and Grandma

ling. "Let me bring a tra

, humming a song until we heard a loud

ped. "Grandm

other very scared, then we

e tray was beside her, and the fruits were scattered every

, kneeling beside

ut her voice was wea

and said softly, "D

whispered, holding her hand t

elped Grandma

" I said. "We'll tak

room. When we reached her bed, Claire helped h

better?"

could still see th

ayed beside Grandma, holding her hand.

smile. "I didn't

gently on Grandma's leg and side. She winc

much bette

u'll be fine, Gran

ing calmer as

nd said softly, "I'm l

zed her hand. "We

ain, and everything f

re's

I made sure she was feeling less p

hispered to Betty. "S

odded.

t look before walking

the night air ins

lue light appeared around my fingers, swirling ge

e portal led me to Alph

e air chan

ls were made of dark stone, and fire from the torches

gh Priestess. She wore a white robe that seemed to shine i

in a serious voice. "Y

rt beat faster as the ro

arms crossed, his face was calm, but

ser, her white robes brushing

irty days," she said. "That is

bit. Thirty days. T

chill crawl down my spine. "Claire, you

you miss it..." She paused, her tone turning

y throat tighten. "Yes, Hig

o, his jaw firm.

erything needed before the thirtieth night," she said. "The moon's ligh

away. I could feel the weight of her warning press

t, Damien looked at me. "You heard h

cold. "I'll start tonight. I'll

hat to do,

in. "I'll st

priestess left, leaving Damien and

. It's very important. You'll have to give

rprise. "Betty?

sn't belong in this part of our world. If you get distracte

didn't expect him to say that. B