Chapter 26
Animals had no space for her now. She was too strong. Too solid. She left the dogs behind and moved out into the forest with the sunrise.
Peace here, far more than she'd known under the ground. Peace, and something soft and familiar. Moving closer, coming toward her.
As always. Through time and space. Coming toward her.
She moved easily, not caring that she brought unease along with her. The creatures were not her concern. What she wanted most would have to wait until she was stronger.
What she needed now lay quiet. Soft. Warm and sleeping. Close enough to touch, if she could only touch.
She focused, concentrated, drew from all the living, moving things around her. Closer. She cast the faintest of shadows, drifted gently across the tumbling water.
One with the water, movi
