From the Ashes

Chapter 50 ~ Fae Twice Born

    Neeri gazed about her surroundings quietly. She and Gaelen had been brought to the village Elder's home, she was told. Morana and her two escorts had accompanied them back along with the silver haired female. There had been many others gathered outside the building when they arrived, but the Elder had forbidden anyone else to join them for now.

    Being here was strange. Ever since they'd left Ophir, her mind had felt a little more clear. Not enough to reveal her memories, but enough that she could think straight for a change. She was able to retain names now, even the one that was supposedly her own.

    But despite Morana's reassurance, Neeri couldn't quell her fears that they had been brought here to be killed. She had been separated from Gaelen immediately after arriving. The older of Morana's escorts had taken him to another part of the house, leaving her alone with the young dark-haired warrior, Morana, and the Elder.

    The Elder was currently brushing her thumbs across Neeri's temples, her gaze dark and calculating. "Can you do anything to help her?" Morana asked.

    "Perhaps. I've been developing a theory about this for years, but I've never been able to test it and I cannot guarantee it will work."

    "What are you going to do?" Neeri flinched at how faint her voice sounded.

    "Corruption leaves a fog of Astaroth's power in your mind, suppressing all of your memories. I might be able to remove it at least partially. But I don't see the process being easy." The Elder looked back at Morana. "I think it's best if you wait with Lonan and Gaelen. Learn what else the male has to share. I will send for you when it's over."

    "But I..." Morana protested.

    "Arlon will assist me. There is nothing you can do here besides fret, and that will not help your friend."

    Morana pursed her lips with a sigh but left the room without further protest. "What do you want me to do?" Arlon asked. His narrow blue gaze settled on Neeri. It lacked the wariness from earlier. Now he just seemed curious and perhaps a little apprehensive.

    "Remember what I showed you about keeping a person's mind focused elsewhere?" Arlon nodded. "Do that." Neeri glanced between the two of them, her breath quickening with fear. The Elder offered her a reassuring smile.

    "My ward has a special gift that can help you. He can extend some influence over the minds of others. I need him to keep your attention fixed elsewhere so that you don't resist when I begin working. That could make things much worse for you."

    "It won't hurt, will it?" Neeri asked shakily. "Any of it?"

    "We will do our best to make it painless."

    "If it works, I'll be able to remember everything from before?"

    "At the very least, you'll remember a good deal more than you do now."

    Neeri gulped and gave a quick nod of agreement. Almost instantly, an oddly feline presence had encompassed her mind, pricking at it with gentle claws. Neeri felt it drawing her mind somewhere beyond herself. She didn't know how, but it was as if she'd been drawn out of her own body, or was perhaps dreaming.

    Arlon was still seated before her, their surroundings an expanse of starlight and clouds. Neeri drew a deep breath. His scent seemed real enough, and offered her another piece of information about him. "You're a Shifter too," she said.