Page 61 of Omega Sanctuary

I snorted. "The Priestesses are going to have a fun time with that."

We turned and walked back to the Sanctuary. The sea beckoned me. I didn't love the idea of staying here trapped with a bunch of strangers save for Nova, but maybe being close to the sea would make up for it.

"Why don't you go sit by the shore for a little while?" Nova nudged me. "The Sanctuary isn't going anywhere."

"You're sure?"

Nova had been tense since we arrived. The pain I'd felt from her was dampened but in its place was something I couldn't name. Not the same feeling as my homesickness but something akin to it.

Nova nodded. "I'm going to get settled in. Take a bath. I'll show you a good spot first."

We walked a winding path down the side of the cliff. The angle was sharp in places and worn down in others. Sea grass tickled my ankles and the ever-present hum of the tide lulled me into a place of relaxation.

Reaching the beach, we headed up the shore, away from the Sanctuary. Sea spray clung to my skin, making my lips taste of salt.

I sighed again. I only needed a small bakery on the shore and I would be happy.

The ground edged close to the water, and we took a tight curve around it. On the other side was a flat stretch of beach. It was still near the Sanctuary but gave the impression of solitude.

Nova beamed at me. "This is nice and secluded but not too far away."

I sat down in the sand. "Thanks."

I watched my friend disappear around the cliff and then turned my attention to the water.

It was balmy, the perfect outside weather. A breeze came off the ocean, touching my cheeks and tousling my hair.

I sighed and stared at the waves rolling onto the shore and rolling back out. Back and forth. It was hypnotic. I stopped worrying if Valens would be okay, whether I would be a complete failure.

The hum of the water and the scent of the ocean soothed me. I took in a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

I stared into the horizon until my thoughts went far away. Everything relaxed, as if I was about to fall asleep.

The world shifted a layer of gold over everything. The sensation that I was dreaming grew stronger.

Around me, the spirits came. The yellow mouse, twitching it's whiskers. A raven flew over the ocean, the winds lifting his wings until he ducked and turned toward me.

The raven landed next to me, morphing into Kivai with one blink. "Fancy meeting you here."

I smiled. "It's been a while since I've seen you."

Kivai sat down next to me. "I had to check on some things." His normally pleasant face pulled down into worry.

I brushed my hand over his arm. He was warm to the touch.

"You shouldn't be so close to the spirit world." Kivai watched me. "You're not ready."

"I didn't mean to," I said. The world was slow and soft, like honey around me. "It feels nice."

Kivai gave me another worried look. "Where's your guardian?"

"Finding the missing omegas."

Kivai grunted. "The Sanctuary is the best place for you, but you have to be careful. You need to work on your spirit magic, and quickly."

Some of my old worry returned. I shot him an irritated look. "And how do I do that?"

"Train with your teacher and bond an alpha."

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