Page 23 of Omega Sanctuary

"Okay." I laid against him, his energy more soothing than any herbal remedies I had taken.

"It didn't work out so well." The pain was still there, but far enough away that I was able to talk without breaking down into tears again.

Kivai sighed. "He's a moron. Also young, and not very well trained. You need someone older, who knows how to manage spirit magic."

"Someone like you," I said. "Got it."

Kivai laughed again. "I'm not an alpha, darling. Just a beta."

I sat up and looked at him. "And spirits have designations?"

"Sort of." He looked away. "Let me try to redirect some of your energy. Buy you some time to find an alpha you want."

I frowned and lay against him again. "You realize the pressure of 'you have to find an alpha or you're doomed' isn't helping."

"I know." He put his chin on the top of my head. "Let me help with that."

He stroked his hands down my sides. Energy moved with his hands and the lull sent me into a state of euphoria. My body didn't hurt so badly, my head didn't pound so much.

"This won't last forever, but it will help."

"Thank you." I paused. "Why are you helping me?"

"Your spirit burns bright in the spirit world." Kivai kept his hands on my back, but I wanted them lower. "It’s complicated, but I was once part of this world. I can sense your pain, your need."

"You're a ghost."

"Not exactly."

I tried to picture him in this world, as a farmer or mason or even a baker. He said he was a shaman. We didn't use that word anymore, but in history texts they mentioned the ancient ones having shaman to bridge the gap between the mortal world and the spirit world.

A long time ago there were no Shrines, no temples for omegas to preside over. There was just wild chaotic magic. Magic that could raise or lower cities overnight. Perform great acts of healing, or great curses over the land.

There were ruins not far from here I'd visited once, the ancient runes barely visible on the stone.

"Where are you from?" I asked. My eyelids were heavy. It was easier to see him now that I was half asleep.

"Tiny islands that don't exist anymore. Sleep, now, Zara. You have a long day ahead of you tomorrow."

"You will come with me?"

"I will." Kivai passed his hand through my hair again. "I cannot manifest all the time, but I will do my best."

"Okay." I buried my face into his chest and fell asleep.

Early morning mist rose off the dirt-packed road. The sun's rays barely touched the horizon. Normally I would be in the bakery, starting on the bread.

Instead, Missy was in the kitchen and I waited at Crafter's Crossing. Dread made my arms and legs heavy.

Nan fussed about my supplies nearby. Sabine sat on a stone bench under a large oak tree, looking regal and wise. Zabir scanned the area as if bandits would besiege us at any moment.

I waited.

"You've got your good cloak, extra pair of tights, and some waybread." Nan patted my pack. It was dark green and looked like an oversized turtle.

"You'll come visit me, right?" I looked at Nan again. My chest hurt. This wasn't goodbye forever. I would be able to travel after I was properly trained. Make some good money, set Nan up for a cushy retirement.

"We'll make sure she has the means to travel," Sabine said. "Once you're finished with your training and find your alphas, you will also be able to travel."

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