I sat on the curved stone bench, drawing my knees to my chest, allowing my head to fall back against the carved wall. My eyes fell closed, an involuntary sigh escaping me as I relaxed for the first time in what seemed like forever. A thread of nerves still remained, but the pressure building inside me since I was infected with the living metal seemed to have lifted and I was more than willing to accept what moments of quiet I could get.
Someone settled beside me. From the lovely scent I knew it was Nona. A hand patted my knee gently.
"You've been through a great trial already," she said, voice muffled in the dim chamber. "But there is more before you, witch girl."
I opened my eyes, my gaze locking on the bobbing sphere of blue light Pharo left behind. "I know."
She sat back as well, gr
