Huddled with her knees pulled up, Mila considered her options. Her throat seemed to grow drier and scratchier by the second.That decided her dash to the bathroom, even though it meant the risk of bumping into someone. Along the dark corridor she crept, a hand skimming the wall to guide her. Mila didn't risk turning the glow lamps up. Instead she snuck around in the half light, making her way to the bowl-like basin. Its width made it awkward to lean across but she was able to reach the stream of water with her mouth. Gulping the cool liquid down, Mila tensed when the murmur of voices seemed to move.Faster than an eharie sprite she darted back the way she'd come, hands extended at waist height to help navigate the way. Just as she zipped around the door to her and Nanny's bedroom she heard the 'woosh' of the kitchen door being pulled wide. Resisting the urge to slam the door, Mila pushed it ever so slow till it closed. The sound of the footsteps entering the corridor made all the tin

'Your little Mestarn is nearing maturity, Sila.'Mila and Nanny turned to see a woman about mama's age walking their way with a wide smile.Mila watched as Nanny moved to embrace the woman, a wide smile on her face.'Yes, I think she is, Forniua. How are you all?'They hugged tight while Mila stared with curiosity. Nanny was one of the few non gifted in her life, hired as a permanent addition to their family to assist with raising Mila while both her parents worked hard at their roles within the land of Vo'Arum.'And what are you here for today, little one?' Nanny's friend crouched to smile at Mila, who suddenly lost her voice, ducking back a step behind Nanny.Nanny laughed.'She's here to see what life is like for a villager, to get some understanding of what she will be protecting as a Mestarn.''Ah, well then, come right this way. Today is washing day.' The woman offered her hand to Mila who after a hesitant glance at Nanny, took it. 'And what do we call you by?''Mila,' M

The doors to the Great Hall opened as Mila and Nanny were saying their goodbyes. Mila didn't turn to look, too busy hugging another Uncle, but she heard Nanny's gasp.This gasp sounded bad.Mila pulled back from her Uncle's arms and noticed he too seemed distracted, she turned.A villager stood amongst a group of adults, speaking quietly. The adults all looked sick, some cried.'Nanny,' Mila whispered, and reached for her hand. 'What's wrong?'Nanny said nothing, only held Mila's hand tight.The villager looked their way and with a visible sigh, walked to their table.'I am so sorry to bring you such news. Jeran Mestarn was found dead beneath a rock slide this morning. We think it caught him during the night.'It took a minute before Mila realized he meant Uncle Jeran.The lovely calm feeling froze in her mind. She didn't know how she should react.Turning, Mila found her parents staring at the man with shocked expressions. Moments later their gazes slid in unison to her face

Mila gasped a belly deep sucking pull, head ringing like a bucket had been stuck over her and struck.'Lea.' Papa held her in his arms. 'Lea, are you okay?'Mila blinked the motion heavy and difficult. 'Y-yes.''Can you find the nightmare?'Papa helped her sit up. The spinning slowed, and the room came back into view, Mama and Nanny watched her anxiously.'What?' Mila couldn't make sense of the question, the ringing in her ears passing, leaving the room sharp in its quietness.'The nightmare, can you remember the nightmare? Focus, Lea. See if you can find it.'Mila closed her eyes and tried to let her mind wander. It didn't want to come. She wrinkled her forehead, lips twisted in a scowl and tried harder.A soft touch on her shoulder made her eyes open. Mama smiled at her.'Not there?'Shocked, Mila shook her head. 'No, Mama.''Good. We won't let that bother you anymore. Now, you and Nanny get to sleep.' Mama kissed Mila's forehead and Papa helped her under the covers. Both

Papa rushed past the bedroom door, clutching items. Mila heard it as he dumped the items onto the kitchen table.'Dan'iss!' Papa called Mama's name. 'Switch!'Mila listened, mind reaching to try and see what they did. She felt it as Mama's energy seemed to draw back, Papa's layering over it. Another hum rumbled through her mind, this time Papa calling out to people. None of it came through clear enough for Mila to understand.Frustrated, stomach aching Mila again turned her attention to the door. With tentative hands she reached out. A shudder of relief ran through her when her hands pressed against the iron with nothing striking her mind. It sounded clear, like the manhole cover she'd opened did. Mila closed her eyes and let her thoughts flow, watching the puzzle appear in her mind. She sucked her breath in at the bizarre shapes it didn't look like any of the puzzles she'd solved before.In her mind's eye she saw five separate circles, floating, held together by tendrils of lig