Aisling POV
Aisling twisted the file one way, then the other. She was finally on the last lock of the door, and she could hear Khaleesi's spirit echoing through the whole house.
The hope will lead the avenger. The darkness shall end soon.
The all-familiar words echoed in Aisling's head. Khaleesi had first told her the prophecy she received when Aisling was a young child. Now, she understood it entirely.
Finally, the lock clicked open. Aisling pushed past the door with tears forming in her eyes. She couldn't tell if it was from the dust or from seeing her mentor for the first time in ten years. She decided she didn't care.
"My child."
The woman looked just as Sailing remembered: thick silver-white hair-- the only sign she was aging--, a youthful face, and nimble limbs.
Aisling pushed herself into Khaleesi's embrace.
The hope will lead the avenger. The darkness shall end soon.
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"I must ask you to leave." Crius' tone was steely, but Valen had had enough.
"No."
The house seemed to shake.
"What was that I heard?"
Valen took a deep breath, feeling the white-hot form in his temples again. "As long as you're alive," he stepped forward, "spirit catchers will live in fear and isolation."
Crius raised his head. "Fool."
"I may be a fool, but I actually listen to my ancestors." Valen released his control.
Wispy white flames began to flow from his palms and wrists.
Crius grabbed a nearby knife and held it in front of him, quivering slightly.
Valen sneered. "You can't do anything to me, spirit breaker."
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"Do not cry. I am safe. You are safe. Valen is-" Khaleesi broke off as the house shook.
"You know his name?" Aisling followed the woman out into the hall.
"I take it upon myself to see for myself who my spirit wanderers fall in love with." Khaleesi winked.
Aisling felt her cheeks warm and looked down.
"And I think he's a perfect match for you, hope."
Aisling jerked her head up. "That's- I was right?"
"Yes." Khaleesi said no more, but increased her pace.
The building shook again, this time more violently.
"We must help him."
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Dazed, Valen stumbled back. The flames licked at his clothing, threatening to consume him.
Crius was gone.
I have to get everyone out of the building.
To his surprise, a small stream of people passed him in the hall as he made his way upstairs to find Aisling.
"Don't go that way!" One girl cautioned him.
Valen spun around. "Is anyone else up there?"
She shook her head.
He nodded and ran up the stairs.
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"Aisling!"
She coughed. "Valen?" Her voice was scratchy from the smoke.
"Where are you?" She heard.
Aisling looked around. "I don't know."
"Is Khaleesi with you?"
"No, she went ahead. She told me to get everyone out."
"So why aren't you out there?" Valen stepped out of the haze, his voice clouded with some emotion Aisling couldn't figure out.
She stood, wincing. " I fell."
