59. SUCCESSFUL MISSIONS

Janel’s story

The Mother of Trees, the Manol

The morning after Vol Karoth’s escape

Janel woke from sleep that was not sleep. Teraeth lay next to her—eyes open, waiting, resting on an elbow. He’d been watching over her. She saw no sign of Talon, which was a relief.

“Did you sleep at all?” she asked him.

“I’d say something about sleeping when I’m dead, but I think that would be a little too uncomfortably close to certain people I know.” He kissed her forehead.

Janel groaned and stretched. “I don’t sleep when I’m dead; I’m dead when I sleep. It’s not the same at all.” She had technically slept, but she wanted to sleep more. She felt bone tired. “Unfortunately, I have to return. We weren’t successful.” She gave Teraeth an apologetic look. She hated that they weren’t successful. She’d very much wanted to come back triumphant, to be able to do this one favor for both Valathea and Teraeth.

But Teraeth just grinned and cupped her face to deliver a sweet, lingering kiss. “Kihrin says hello,” he whispered.

Janel was confused for a moment. Then she realized what he had to mean. She pulled him back down to her, kissing him again. “What happened?” she whispered.

He held up a star tear and winked at her. “Let’s go find Valathea and talk about it, shall we?”1

Janel scrambled out of bed. She searched the overly large room, but there was no sign of Talea or Xivan. Since they’d traveled to the Second World physically rather than the way Janel had, she didn’t know for sure where they’d reappear or even when.

But it turned out she didn’t have to worry.

Just like the other times one of the Immortals had shown themselves, there was no fanfare unless the Immortal wished it. One moment, Teraeth and Janel were alone in the room, and the next minute, they were not.

“You know you’re going to have to learn how to dress like goddesses,” Teraeth said. “Summon up impractical clothing and the like. It’s tradition.”

“I’ll settle for just knowing how to use my powers in a fight.” Xivan noticed the notably pleased expression on Janel’s face. “Did something happen?” She immediately qualified. “Something new?”

“Yes,” Teraeth said. “Uh, I don’t know what happened with your group, but I’m pleased to say that plan B worked.”

Talea cocked her head. “We didn’t have a plan B.”

“No, we didn’t,” Teraeth agreed. “But that didn’t stop it from working.”

“Before explanations,” Janel said, “we should find Valathea.”

“And food,” Teraeth said. “I left strict instructions that I was not to be disturbed for anything less than an actual invasion, so if we want breakfast, we’re going to need to hunt it down ourselves.”

Talea grinned and reached over, taking Xivan’s hand. “Sure. Let’s do that.”