Rayann heard the voice. While it wasn’t that familiar to her, it was familiar all the same. Blinking several times, her frightened eyes cleared and she saw the face of Myth floating before her. The quiet, mysterious warrior was there for her and when he reached out to her, she didn’t hesitate. Throwing herself into his embrace, she clung to him desperately as the horrible nightmare was still very fresh in her mind. It was a good thing he was well trained and had the strength he did because she would have easily knocked him down if he were not who he was.

Her body trembled with the fear she felt and she felt both hot and freezing at the same time. How could that be? Rayann had never experienced anything like this before. Who was the woman that spoke to her in her dream? Rayann could only think of one and even then she didn’t want to consider THAT possibility.

The dream had frightened her so much that Rayann didn’t even want to blink for fear she would somehow be swallowed up by the darkness that had swallowed her up before. It took some time but eventually she stopped trembling but she didn’t loosen her grip in the least. Rayann concentrated on the even, steady heart beat of Myth and nothing else, trying to block out what just happened.

Finally her mind reached out to Myth’s as she tried to relay to him what happened.

I….I had a t-terrible dream. Night mare, actually. It was dark…p-pitch black…and I couldn’t…move. Thick water….surrounded me. I tried to get out…but I couldn’t. The blackness was too tight. It covered my head and I couldn’t breath….then the pain….Gods the pain….it burned me…everywhere….and a woman’s voice…she was helping me…..then I was falling….and landed hard…and next thing I know…I h-heard you…..

Rayann finally, slowly began to release the grip she had around Myth’s torso (at least what she could reach anyway) and sit back on her haunches, pulling her legs tight against her. Her eyes still held a great deal of fear in them as she looked up into his almond shaped eyes.

Thank you….for being there for me…

The elf simply offered her slight smile and a nod before he responded. "I have offered to be your guardian and I will do the best that I can."

His brow furrowed a bit as his thoughts started to wander slightly. He quickly reigned them in before his mind voiced anything that might be picked up by his companion. He placed a protective arm over her shoulder before looking to the east. "Well given the circumstances of your waking I think it would be safe to say we should start today's travels."

He was quite aware that she would not likely fall back to sleep after her ordeal. Myth knew that had he experienced anything similar he would have a hard time as well himself. His thoughts strayed once more as it finally dawned that she had wrapped herself around his torso. He admitted it was a comfortable feeling if a bit awkward do to his half kneeling state. He chuckled and gave her a reassuring pat before his stood letting her arms slide away. His first act was to toss her a bit of bread and a water skin before turning his attention to getting them ready to go.

Rayann couldn’t have gone back to sleep if her life depended on it. Her mind was racing, her nerves were jittery and her heart still wasn’t beating at a normal rate yet. No. Sleep was the furthest from her mind right now. Not to mention the fact she didn’t want to close her eyes for fear that darkness would swallow her up once again.

Thanking Myth for the bread and water, Rayann nibbled on the bread and sipped the water. In reality, though, Rayann wanted to gulp as much of the water down as she could. Never before had she felt such a powerful thirst. And why was she so thirsty? Had her nightmare caused it? And what was that annoying pain she had on her left shoulder just over her shoulder blade area? It felt like she had scraped her shoulder. Perhaps when she was struggling in her nightmare she was struggling in reality and scraped it then.

When Rayann was done eating and drinking all she dared to drink, she helped Myth clean up what was left of their make shift camp. The quiet warrior packed light so there wasn’t much to get squared away once they had the bed rolls secure.

The morning air was chilly but Rayann was thankful for that. It meant the crisp air would keep her alert to anything that might cross their path. Just in case the dream was some sort of omen or something.

When they finally started heading out, Rayann fell in behind Myth and traveled silently behind him. Of course while she wasn’t saying much to him didn’t mean her mind wasn’t working. Quite the opposite. Her mind was whirling. She had never had such a vivid dream like that in all her life. Why now? What was so different about that dream that she couldn’t stop trembling just thinking about it? And while she could recall many parts of the dream, she couldn’t recall all of it. She knew it was a woman that had spoken to her, but she couldn’t remember exactly what her voice sounded like. Was there a cracking noise that preceded her falling? OR was she just imagining all that?

So many questions and not an answer in sight of any of them. Needless to say, Rayann was quite frustrated with the whole ordeal and couldn’t wait to get back home. The sooner this was over with, the better.

((I do apologize for any liberties taken... I felt we should advance the story a hair bit ^_^))

The days passed and the traveling duo traveled further into the northern lands. In an effort to put distance between them and their former comrades Myth had acquired a set of traveler's boots so that Rayann could keep up with his more brisk walking pace. Conversation was light as Myth offered stories of home and his travels. They had passed a trading post and stocked up on winter clothing as the weather was growing increasingly colder the further north they traveled. Up to this point Myth had insisted on traveling light however when traveling in the colder regions he was more open to carrying provisions as opposed to trying to live off the land. Though the elf was more than capable of getting them their nightly meals he reasoned that edible wildlife would be a little more sparse in the coming travels, and as a result the potential dangers would increase.

All in all trouble along their path had been light, a few brigands here a couple hungry wolves there. As Myth scouted out a place for them to spend the evening away from the frigid howling winds he had the unfortunate pleasure of stumbling upon a displacer beast. The creature was insulted that Myth had both interrupted it's meal and had dared enter it's home. One of his other reasons for ensuring their swift rate of travel was so that Rayann could resume at least a modest use of her magical power. In this particular instance Myth was quite grateful that he had. Battling with displacers was always unpleasant even in the best circumstances. Beast and warrior traded off blows both nimbly dodging the other. Myth had cautioned against using magic to freely because of the beasts inate ability to distort its position and teleport. Almost to illustrate the point as Myth swung a killing blow the beats image was displaced and Myth found himself on the disadvantage. However the battle had gone on long enough for a pattern to be seen. It took several seconds for the beasts illusion to resume and that was when the beast tried to teleport to avoid death.

Myth noticed this and with expert skill began to maneuver the beast around. At last Myth had the beast where he wanted it and he moved in for the killing blow. Sadly though he had assumed a pattern he was not prepared for the beast to instead teleport as it was not in the position he had expected. His sword swung through empty air. Shock was evident upon his face as a low growling noise filled his ears. The hair on his neck stood on end and he swore he felt the beasts breath upon his back. As he twisted in an attempt to block the blow he knew was coming the air grew heated. Searing violet fire encased the beasts form. The impact of the fiery blast slammed the creature into the wall and in moments there was only ash as the violet flames snuffed out. There was still a slight look of surprise on the elf's face but in the span of a breath it was gone. He had seen many a ball of flame but none such as this and this alone is what gave him pause. The light in the cave began to dim once more and Myth drew forth a light stone calling its magic into being as he slipped his sword into its sheath. His gaze leveled on his companion. "Are you all right Rayann?'

((Not at all IT was PERFECT!!))

Rayann was tired from traveling with the added weight and from spending extended time in the colder air. While it kept her alert, it did tend to make her feel as though she were a human popsicle. Grateful to Myth for his conversations, it helped keep her mind off the horrible nightmare she had. When they stopped for the night, Myth would always check on her to make sure she was alright just before she closed her eyes. Rayann would respond with a smile and a nod, then feign a yawn and turn her back on the elf. Of course she didn’t fall asleep until a few hours later when she was too exhausted to hold her eyes open anymore.

The more time she spent around Myth, the more she began to relax around him. Rayann found herself talking to him more like a friend than a stranger and she found this to be more liberating than she had ever thought. In fact, she found herself telling him things she had never told another. Not even Rorie. It just seemed….natural for her to do so.

When Myth found himself in battle with the displacer beast, Rayann stayed well out of the way and let the warrior do what he did best. Of course that didn’t mean she wasn’t worried. Quite the opposite. But knowing any noise from her would distract him, she remained silent and watched with a wary eye. Several times she wanted to scream for the Elf to watch out but she dared not. Any hesitation on his part would be his last and she couldn’t take that chance. Besides, she didn’t want to see him hurt. The more she watched the Elf battle the beast, the angrier she would get at the beast thinking he was cheating.

When she saw the displacer beast teleported out as Myth swung his sword, she knew Myth was in trouble. Before she realized what she was doing, Rayann was already conjuring a fire ball spell that was fueled by her anger. As the beast lunged for Myth, the fireball raced from Rayann’s hands and hit the beast full force. When the beast hit the wall and the fireball quickly engulfed its form turning it to ash then dissipated, Rayann stood statue still with a furrowed brow and her hands still outstretched.

“Are you alright, Rayann?”

Myth’s voice penetrated into her mind and she slowly began to move. Blinking, Rayann looked at what was left of the creature then looked at her outstretched hands. The confusion on her face was unmistakable and she slowly brought her hands back to her side. Her softly glowing, lavender gaze then settled on Myth as he gave her a concerned look. Nodding her head, she set his mind at ease as she quickly closed the gap between them. Once more her mind speaking to his.

Yes…yes…I’m fine….

Her hands reached out then and touched his forearms and Myth could still feel the heat in her hands. Not hot but definitely warm. When she looked into his face now there was concerned etched upon her brow.

Are you OK, Myth? Did the beast injure you anywhere?

Myth grimaced slightly as Rayann grasped his arm. He offered a slight smile in the gloom of the cave. The fire that ran through his veins was subsiding and he was now beginning to feel the ache of his wounds. It was the warmness of her touch that brought the pain to the forefront of his mind. It was not that her hands were overly warm it was because it had brought his attention to the wound and subsequently the pain that should have been associated with those wounds. He took in a breath and slowly sat himself down. He spoke with a tone of annoyance as he drew back the remaining cloth on his arms.

"It appears... that I was not quite as careful as I had hoped..."

He winced slightly as he twisted as he felt a dull ache spread across his backside. Hesitantly he reached around and discovered tattered cloth but felt the cold hard surface of his armor. It had protected him but he had been hit hard enough to cause a deep aching.

((brain went bleah on me lol))

Rayann blinked when she saw the wounds on Myth’s arms. The warrior wasn’t injured TOO badly but his wounds were going to require attention. Quickly working, Rayann pulled the hem of her gray cloak up and ripped off portions of it. Ripping the portions into manageable strips of cloth, she got the water skin out and poured some of the water onto one of the pieces of cloth. Kneeling in front of Myth, she reached out to tend his wound only to have him give her a disapproving look and pull his arm away form her. Furrowing her brow, Rayann made a good argument for him to let her help.

You are a magnificent warrior, Myth. There is no denying that. And you fought a grand fight with the beast. I don’t think anyone else would have survived to say such a thing about fighting against a Displacer Beast. And I would hate to see your arm grow infected and have to be cut off because you were too stubborn to allow a mere female wizard to tend to your wounds.

It became a battle of wills for a moment then. Each one standing their own ground on an invisible field. Finally Myth relented and slowly stretched his arm out to Rayann. She heard him mutter something under his breath but she didn’t call him out for it. Now wasn’t the time to get into pissing contests with each other.

Tearing the rest of his sleeve away, Rayann saw the beast had swiped across his arm in an attempt to prevent him from using his sword but Myth proved too quick for the beast. Thank goodness, too. Otherwise Myth would be dead and most likely she would be as well.

With some careful cleaning of the wound, Rayann made sure all the dirt was removed before she wrapped Myth’s forearm up in one of the strips of cloth, tying it snugly in the center of the bandage to hold it secure. When she was done, she looked up into his handsome face and smiled.

There. I think that should hold. I’ll put a clean bandage on it in the morning before we head out again. You’re very lucky, Myth, the beast didn’t do more damage.

Standing, Rayann walked away from Myth and towards the center of the cave. Gathering up some dried twigs, she piled them together with a quick flip of her wrist conjured up a small fire spell to get the wood burning. As the soft glow of the fire illuminated the cave, she began to forage for more suitable pieces of wood for their fire.

Myth scolded himself inwardly as the wizard made her point about tending his wounds. He was honestly not used to having anyone around that gave two licks about his wounds much less someone who wanted to help tend them. He was so used to it being only himself he had reacted to her more out of suspicious instinct. In the past help came with a price and as such he reacted as he would have to any other. He was still getting used to having a companion that was not motivated by the same passions as his other allies. In the future that would likely change but for now it was something he had to get used to. Lost in this thought he almost hadn't realized he had spoken under his breath.

"A person tries to be nice and you have to act like an obstinate ass, good job Myth..."

He realized after a moment that he had said something and was shocked that he hadn't been put on the spot for his mutterings. Myth himself had put men at knife's edge for such a thing yet Rayann said nothing and continued her ministrations. He simply watched as she finished bandaging his arms and only offered a slight nod as she commented on her work and his own luck.

She was right that he had been lucky. If she hadn't acted quickly the thing would have had him. He got overconfident and careless and it had almost cost him. This thought alone raised Myth's ire, but not at his companion, no he was angry with himself for being a fool.

He let out a grunt as he stood from his seat. The time spent had let his worked muscles relax and now they were stiff as he stood. It had not been the best decision but he didn't think he would have had a big choice if Rayann had seen the wounds before he sat. His eyes followed as she set the fire and began to gather fuel for the flames. Perhaps later he could take a moment to thank her for her kindness. He busied himself with helping her with the wood, but before to long her motioned towards their gear.

"Why don't you get us set up for this evening and I'll worry about the firewood."

He offered a sincere smile that gave the impression that he was in good spirits once more and that it really hadn't been a suggestion and more of a request. It would not take him long to get the wood even if it was several paces from the cave mouth this much she would be sure of.

Rayann reluctantly allowed Myth to take over the fire only after giving him a close look and making sure he was indeed good to go. The Elf Warrior had taken quite a beating to his pride as well as having his physical and mental skills challenged so it would only figure he would be a little frustrated to say the least. Knowing what it was like to realize you made a mistake in front of another, Rayann left him to his thoughts and private council to get out the bed rolls and blankets placing them close to the fire so they could share some warmth from the fire.

Once she got the bed rolls situated, Rayann pulled out their food supplies and broke off some bread, a couple of chunks of cheese and a few pieces of dried meat for their meal as well as their individual water skins. With dinner ready to eat, she settled on her bed roll, curling her legs in front of her. Looking over at the serious Elf, Rayann saw he was deep in thought. Most likely from what happened earlier. No greater criticism existed than that of your own.

Knowing he was critiquing his own work, Rayann didn’t say anything right away but she didn’t want to start eating without him. Somehow that just seemed….rude. Finally her stomach couldn’t take anymore and she cleared her throat softly to get his attention. When Myth’s piercing green eyes finally flickered over to her, she felt as though she had just interrupted the most scared of all ceremonies. And the look he gave her made her suddenly feel like a rabbit caught in the open with a hungry hawk flying overhead. Swallowing hard, Rayann tried to look and sound as brave as she could.

Dinner’s r-ready….Th-thought you might want to e-eat something.

When she smiled, it looked more like a happy grimace than a real smile.

So many things were crowding his head vying for priority of thought that it was quite distracting. There was the recent bout with the now ashen beast, the task laid out before him by his commanders, and another set of thoughts that were beginning to rise up as they traveled. He had been in the midst of applying his attention to the more recent of his many issues when her voice broke through the clouds of his mind. Again habit more than anything dictated his less than pleasant response. As she spoke with hesitation and offered a slight grimace he realized how he must have responded and shook his head. He spoke with a voice that did not fit with his outward looking mood.

"I... apologize..." He took a moment to wipe the look of displeasure from his face and tried offering a smile as he moved himself into a better position to join her for their evening meal. His eyes lifted up once more to meet her gaze. He found himself lost in the violet pools of her eyes for a moment as his train of thought wandered off on him.

"I am not used to traveling with company much so I am used to being alone with my thoughts. Usually when I am traveling with someone the interruptions are generally about things of non-importance. Usually about things related to an assigned task or matters of my opinion of the latest military or political gossip. Things that really have no business being discussed at the time if you understand my meaning. It is for this reason I am usually rather cross about being interrupted." he let out a light sigh as he forced his mind to settle and pointedly shifted his gaze away from looking directly into her sight.

"Try not to blame yourself or think you are in the wrong to interrupt me. You have more than proven that if you are calling for my attention it is indeed warranted, or giving our present traveling circumstances, a welcome distraction." He tore off a piece of bread and popped it in his mouth.

Rayann’s smile relaxed when she heard Myth’s explanation of his stern look. What he said was something she could relate to on more than one level. Chewing on a piece of dried meat, she nodded in agreement.

I understand. When Rorie and I were training when we were young, I often found myself doing the same thing. Of course Ro wouldn’t be as kind in pulling me from my thoughts sometimes, but it didn’t matter how he did it, I would always get really frustrated with him. Needless to say, we would end up getting angry at each other which would merely cause more trouble between us. This is the first time I’ve been away from him. It feels strange but at the same time it feels…..frightening. I’m responsible for more than just me right now. If I cast the wrong spell, we could both die. With Ro, we just sort of knew what the other was going to do and based on that, we were able to work as a team and do what had to be done.

Letting her eyes settle on Myth’s piercing green gaze, Rayann grew quiet for a moment then. There was no doubt there was a thought forming in her head and she was uncertain on just exactly how to bridge the subject with him. Taking a drink of water, she broke the contact with his eyes and built up the courage to say what she had been thinking. Once more her lavender eyes settled on Myth’s vibrant green ones.

Myth….it…we…could be like that as well…..if….if you would be willing, of course. It would mean…..you would need to open your mind to me. Being able to read your thoughts would allow me to see what your next move would be and I could be ready with a spell. Like what happened with the Displacer Beast. I didn’t read your mind but I saw if I didn’t cast the spell right then, you would be dead.

Seeing the disapproving look on his face, Rayann quickly explained even more.

We could try it when you did your practicing. I’m a fast learner and I could learn your moves to know what you will do next. With that knowledge together with reading your mind for the next move would make it a win-win situation. But….if you don’t want that, I completely understand. And I promise not to read your mind when I don’t need to. I give you my word right now. Even you decide not to do this with me.

A tenseness formed in the air around them and Rayann knew she had most likely stepped over an invisible boundary with the warrior. It wasn’t easy knowing you are traveling with a telepath and taking the risk of having her get in your head when you don’t want her to. It was even worse to hear she WANTED to get in your head. No matter what the reasoning behind the request.

Once more Rayann tore her gaze from Myth’s and looked down in the ground next to her bed roll. She had most likely just crushed what trust had grown between them and rightfully so. She had known Rorie all her life and she had just met Myth. How in the world could he trust her now? The woman had requested to get into his head. The most sacred and private places a person had that was considered strictly their own. With a sinking feeling, Rayann’s shoulder slumped slightly as she sat there, choking down her food. It was going to be a long trip from this point forward, no doubt.

The admission of what she was capable of doing with her abilities was a cause for concern. He had not considered the possibility that she could in fact read his mind but up to this point he had no real reason to. That fact that she spoke mentally should probably been a clue but her companions had been so calm about it that he had never paid it any thought. His displeased look was more about his own lack of foresight than her own admissions. For a short time he said nothing in response to what she had suggested. His thoughts were focused inward as he laid his options out in front of him.

On one hand he could not discount the idea as a while after having watched the twins work together. He remembered being somewhat amazed at the very sight of it despite not showing a lick of emotion at the time. The potential for someone with his skill set and someone like her working in such a manner certainly had its ups. It was the downside of things however that he was more concerned with. Exactly how much free reign would she have in reading his thoughts. Could she happen upon some piece of information that he did not wish her to see by accident. At this point there were a great many things he wished for her not to know. There was of course his mission at the forefront of the list but there were inklings of other things he did not wish to be known as well.

His thoughts raged on along the same paths before he decided upon a path. He let out a sigh setting his food down before him as he turned leveling his gaze upon Rayann. "What you ask of me would require me to give you a degree of trust I would not even consider giving to my own kin..." He saw the sinking feeling wash over her body as a whole. He did not need to see her eyes to know it was there.

"However it does not out way the level of trust you have shown in me by first taking my side in that fight many weeks ago, and secondly asking my to travel as your escort." He took a draw from his wine skin "Your offer makes me both curious and apprehensive but given past actions on your own part it would be rude of me to not to allow you this one act of faith."

He set down his waterskin and looked into the fire fir a time "As it were my superiors had plans for me and my unique skills and as such part of my training was to resist interrogations of all kinds. Telepathic creatures was high on the list of things they drilled into me first. I have many secrets locked away in my head Rayann that people would be better off not knowing about. This knowledge I bare is my only cause of apprehension, but thankfully I do know how to bury such things from prying eyes so to speak. My mind would like an open book save for a lone locked chest buried deep in my mind. So long as this would not interfere with what you wish to do I see no reason to not give you the chance." He offered a smile as he had already begun working on the container for his secrets. It would be enough to defend himself from passive attempts but if someone was truly looking they would find the flaws and things would be laid bare once those flaws were exploited.

Rayann dared not look into Myth’s eyes and see the intense scrutiny and mistrust he now felt for her. But as he continued to talk to her about what she proposed, she slowly raised her head so her eyes COULD look into his face and hold his gaze. She could still see the apprehension he felt but she saw something else there. Willingness to try.


By the time Myth got done talking and telling her he was willing to give it a go, the smile on Rayann’s face was as bright as the summer sun and just as warm.

I give you my word, Myth, I will not tread where I am not permitted. Only what you wish for me to see is what I will look to. I would never tread into any ones mind without permission and I certainly would not venture to places I know to be sacred. You will find that during the training process, you will be able to communicate with me the way I do with you right now. No one will even know we are speaking to each other. But I agree with you in that there are things it’s better off I not know. You are a trained warrior, that much is obvious, and there are things you and your superiors discuss that need to be kept private. It would be too easy to have that used against you by me if anything should ever happen to us and we find ourselves captive by the enemy. If they found out what I am and can do, they would not hesitate to threaten your life to force me to get from you what they need not know.

Rayann paused for a moment and put her thoughts in order before she went on.

So I propose this. While I don’t like keeping secrets I know there are times they must be kept. And what we are about to embark upon should be the biggest secret we keep between us. It will protect both of us that way. Do you agree?

Myth could only nod in agreement as she stressed the importance of keeping there own bond a secret. The thought had already planted itself firmly in his mind. There were things he knew that could unravel years of carefully laid planning. In truth as almost an after thought as he started sifting through the jumble of memories in his head he came to realize that he had indeed led a very active career. He could sit there for hours just examining the tasks he had accomplished in his military career. It actually made him smile inwardly for a moment till a feint thought passed over his mind. What would Rayann think if she saw even half of what was there. The thought alone was strabgely alarming but not as alarming as the realization that he somehow cared what she would think. With a shake of his head he started to shove the stray thoughts into a closet in his mind so he could concentrate on the matter at hand.

"Indeed... it has the potential to be our undoing"

He reached around behind his back and drew forth a small blade from a fold of cloth. Myth had been taught the old ways of honor and while he did not expect his companion to partake he would agree to his part in the manner of a warrior. First he pulled out a cloth he had used to wrap some now consumed bread in and had Rayann sit. He lay the cloth over her lap and instructed her to roll up her sleeve. He laid out his hand palm up and place the blade edge down in his palm and wrapped his fingers around the blade. He was careful in his placement as he did not wish to damage anything vital but he was keeping a potion handy in the off chance.

"I Mythalas swear by my blood, flesh, and honor that I shall take this secret with me to the grave. In the face of the demonic or the divine I shall never utter a sylable of it to another soul so long as I am of free mind."

Myth tensed his hand and he felt the blades edge push into the flesh and he could feel the blood flow lightly as it began to seep into the creases of his hand carefully he drew out the blade with his blood upon it. He sat the blade upon a rock his eyes closed for a moment as he concentrated on ignoring the minor pain in his hand.

"You need not make the same show as I in blood Lady Rayann... however we do have to shake hands in agreement to this oath"

He offered his bloody hand leaving the knife where it lay. He had taken the precaution of ensuring no blood would mar her white robes. While he had an inkling of what her future may hold he was not about to sully her garments.

Rayann heard of this ritual warrior’s performed to swear an oath but she had never seen it performed. The last thing she wanted was for Myth to harm himself purposely just to prove his word, but she knew he would have it no other way. It still made her flinch slightly when she saw the blade slice over the skin of his palm and the thin, red line that quickly appeared in the blades wake.

Her eyes drifted to his as she heard him speak his oath then hold his hand out to her making sure he held it over the cloth he placed upon her lap. Rayann’s eyes drifted to his hand then to the blade he set on the rock then back to his eyes. Without a second thought, Rayann reached over and took his blade in her hand. She’d never held a blade before and while it was a bit heavier than she expected it to be, it wasn’t as cold as she thought it would be either.

Following his lead, Rayann held the same hand he had cut with her palm up and open and placed the sharp edge of the blade on her palm. Slowly curling her fingers around the blade, she carefully pulled the blade across her palm while pressing down slightly. Her brows furrowed and she winced as she felt the blade cut into her skin. Laying the blade down on the rock she had retrieved it from, she opened her palm and saw a matching thin, red line appear on her palm.

Her lavender eyes drifted to Myth’s intense green ones and she reached out with her sliced hand and placed her smaller hand in his larger one, curling her fingers around it as best she could, uniting their cuts, mingling their blood. Instead of using her mind to communicate with him, she spoke verbally this time. The cave they shared was suddenly filled with a soft, feminine voice as she swore the same oath to him.

“I, Rayann Padraig, swear by my blood, flesh, and honor that I shall take this secret with me to the grave. In the face of the demonic or the divine I shall never utter a syllable of it to another soul so long as I am of free mind.”

After the words were spoken, Rayann offered Myth a warm smile and nodded.