“As long as we’ve been out here,” she stated as if it was common sense.
Mila pushed to her feet, turning her back on the streams. “And why?”
“These creatures are of this realm, technically, but legends say they are not solely from here. They were born of the constellations, which traverse multiple worlds. I’d like to see if your Reflector powers respond.”
“It’s worth a try,” Mila said with a sigh that sounded both wary and determined.
Taking another deep breath, she faced the khrysaor and pegasus, the three creatures staring back at her with equal resolve. I swore they seemed to thrum with power after their recent battle. Like facing off against Echnid had fueled them. Each of them stood docilely, though, blinking at Mila with clear understanding and probably the same desire for a fight that was now rolling off my general.
“I don’t quite know what activates it,” Mila said, not tearing her eyes from the animals.
“If it is like other magic sources, you will have to reach inside yourself,” Mora taught patiently. “When you went into that river, the magic embedded itself in your soul. It became a part of you. Remember, Reflectors come from Artale. They are touched by a Goddess.”
I ignored the panic grating through my chest, tried not to remember Mila limp in my arms. As if she felt it, she reached a hand back to me. I slipped mine into her waiting palm, squeezing once.
We were all silent for a few moments, Mora continuing to coach Mila through distinguishing the power within her. She gave Mila a small dish of water from the streams to dip her fingers in, trying to channel the magic. Dynaxtar canted her head, her silver mane shimmering while Zanox stoodunnaturally still, intimidatingly so, and Sapphire’s tail swished behind her.
After long minutes where I fought the nerves making me jittery, Mila gasped.
“What is it?” I asked.
“It’s—they’re flying. Hordes of them.”
“The khrysaor and pegasus?” I asked, and Mila nodded.
“It’s some kind of battle.”
“Is it the same place you saw the gorgons last time?” I just wanted to keep her talking so she didn’t slip into this vision completely. Spirits, how did Cyph deal with this happening to Vale all the time with her readings? No wonder he became such a grumpy ass over her protection.
“I can’t be sure.” Mila shook her head, voice entirely lucid.
“Keep digging,” Mora instructed.
Mila did. She relayed the formations of the armies and the khrysaor flying above. Then?—
“It’s changing,” she whispered.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“There’s only one person now. And she’s—” Her explanation cut off as the reflection was playing out before her eyes. I gripped my sword just to make myself feel less useless. My chest ached, and I rubbed the heel of my palm down it.
Finally, Mila blinked back to awareness. The khrysaor and Sapphire jolted into movement, too, grazing along the sparse tree line.
Mila whirled toward the fae, and even Mora’s eyes widened. “It was you,” she gasped.
“What did you see?” Mora asked, clearly as caught off guard as I was.
“Not you precisely, but I saw someone who looked like you.” Mila tilted her head, trying to put the pieces together.
“A glamour?” I asked.
“I don’t think so. There were enough differences that itwassomeone else.”
Mora’s gentle, ever-present curiosity flamed to something brighter. “Was she older, perhaps? Her skin fairer and eyes green?”
Mila nodded, taking a step forward. “You know her.”
“I believe it was…my mother.” Tears lined the fae’s eyes, some deep emotion I didn’t understand, but she didn’t seem like she was going to offer up any more information.
