Mercy for the Vessel

Valera’s chest tightened as the profound weight of that truth settled over her. She vividly remembered the raw confusion of her youth, the sheer panic that someone might sense the unique, ancient presence lurking beneath her skin.

"Aethra forced us to stay completely hidden," Valera admitted, her voice quiet against the heavy silence of the office.

Sybil offered a grim nod. "Because she knew. Pe