Page 123 of Stars in Mist

She returned to Riv’s side as Killen and Zane, with Kisan in his arms, walked into the threshold of the Shard following its ethereal Guide.

Its mist shrouded them as they wandered up the path through a cloud-filled garden and disappeared into the distance.

Riv directed Glimmer to land close to them.

He led the remaining party into the ship to wait for the trio inside the Lost Shard.

It floated above the white lake, its facets shifting between views of a beautiful paradise garden and wondrous cities of crystal-like gold, gemstones, and precious stones. Darting within were rivers flowing with water clear as glass, flowing from distant thrones.

Élisa sat on a chair in the open hold of Riv’s ship, waiting for her son to return.

She studied the phasing Shard hovering over Devansi, enraptured by its beauty. ‘It’s strange how much peace I sense from it now,’ she told Riv, who sat beside her. ‘I think its anxiety was affecting me all along. Unusual reassurance remains, even if Killen, Kisan, and Zane are deep within it.’

Riv brought her hand to his lips. ‘I feel it, too. It’s a peace that passes all understanding.’

A few hours later, as they sipped a cup ofkahawa, the Shard rippled, and three silhouettes stepped out.

‘They’re back,’ Élisa called out, clutching Riv’s hand as they strode from the ship.

Xion and Ki’Remi rushed down the stairs into the hold, and together, they dashed towards the Shard.

Zane led the trio exiting the entity.

Kisan walked alongside him, leaning against him with Killen in the rear.

Élisa ran to her son and wrapped him up in her arms. She pulled back to look at his face and exclaimed at the clear silver eyes staring down at her.

Killen held her shoulders and smiled. ‘Mother, my sight is restored, and my whole body is full of light.’

‘I’m so happy for you,’ she said, lifting a hand to stroke his temple and run her hands over his brow. ‘How was the experience inside?’

‘Incredible. The eyes of my heart have been enlightened. Enhancing the purpose to which I have been called. Giving me even more clarity about the journey I’ll undertake, the battles I’m to fight, and the inheritance waiting for me.’

He said the words with such solemn gravity that a shiver snaked up Élisa’s spine.

‘Worry not, Mother,’ Killen added with a soft smile. ‘I am more than ready for what lies ahead.’

She wrapped her arms around him, hiding her worry, for Killen had much more to learn.

Riv approached, and with a silent smile, father and son hugged.

Moments later, the reunited family untangled from each other and moved towards the man leaning on Zane’s arms.

Riv stepped forward.

‘Kisan?’ he asked, his voice tentative.

The stranger turned, and Élisa caught sight of the handsome, dark-skinned man.

He was prepossessing, from the top of his tight curls to his bronzed body and feet.

His gold-brown eyes glowed with life and vivacity.

His chiseled face, while still drawn from his mental anguish, was a masterpiece, and his lips, full and lush, were upturned.

He was nothing like the broken creature lain on the salt sands a few hours earlier.

‘Riv? Brother?’

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