The Coven Commune

The cool April weather made for a dreamlike day in Red Bluff, as far as Starshine was concerned. She trotted along on Freya, certain there was no better way to begin her morning. Surrounded by the entirety of the Wolf Coven, each on their own steed, Star became lost in her thoughts once again.

It had been nearly two years since she and her good friend Anastasia had battled a succubus together. Their shared trauma had truly embedded them in each other’s lives. When you fought against the unknown, you did so with the clarity that you might not make it out alive. When you were faced with the wreckage of bodies lying around you on the field of battle and still lived to tell the tale, a small part of you became hardened. If a person lacked the fortitude to battle the memories of the aftermath, they became vulnerable to traversing forbidden paths of pain-numbing escape. Thankfully for both Starshine and Anastasia, they had been able to find healing through their shared experience.

Their lasting trauma brought about some much-needed changes around the ranch. Starshine no longer felt secure sharing her home with visiting witches. It had never been her intention to bring her assistance to an end, but the need for recuperation had to come first, and everyone involved understood it. With healing in mind, Sarah, Starshine’s personal assistant, created a working schedule that incorporated weekly training in all three Elements.

Mondays were spent with William. Together, they dove deeper into the Spirit Element and practiced using it in many different ways. Since Sarah was also gifted with the Spirit Element, the Wolf Coven requested that she attend William’s lessons and learn alongside her Queen. Although Star’s brothers were equally gifted in that regard, they chose to continue working on the ranch, though they would sometimes sneak in and participate whenever they had the chance.

From Tuesday through Thursday, Starshine’s studies focused on the Fire Element. Darius had stayed on at the request of the coven and eventually moved into Wynono and Calian’s house. His extended time on the ranch was welcomed by the brothers, who were more than happy to show him how to care for the cattle. As a beginning ranch hand, he was schooled extensively in cultivating crops for feed and was often put to work helping with maintenance and upkeep. Since arriving, he had become quite the cowboy.

Friday was Star’s favorite day of the week. She was able to spend part of her day with River while continuing her training in the Water Element. When the weather was nice, the two of them would spend their time at Wynono’s house in the pool, learning how to control the water and even use it to bridge the ethereal and earthbound planes. Once a month, Akash and Star traveled to Mt. Shasta to train at the headwaters with her. Those days always included Akash’s parents, along with a few other local witches who enjoyed learning alongside their Queen.

Dr. Silas made routine trips to the ranch every six months. He had stayed true to his word and became the Wolf Coven’s private doctor, even taking on the care of the youngest among them. Rhain was a toddler now, and as such, she was constantly on the move. Algiz often compared her to Auntie Star. Just like her aunt, Rhain seemed to go out of her way to get into things she knew were off-limits and would rebel whenever she was scolded. Star and Rhain could often be found together, laughing and playing while causing mischief for everyone else in the house.

On the weekends when Dr. Silas came for his visits, Star would put on a show for him, along with the entirety of the coven. Everything she had learned and mastered since his last visit would be put on public display in an effort to see how her body reacted to using multiple Elements at once. Over the last two years, her strength and capabilities had begun to materialize into a well-established force the witch community could be proud of.

Oftentimes, her instructors would take on the roles of various adversaries, throwing unexpected scenarios at her to test her reflexes, control, and endurance. These exercises showed those around her how far she had progressed in her training and how much her body was capable of taking before it became worn out. Dr. Silas was always on hand to give her a much-needed energy recharge should she need it. Lately, though, the only thing she seemed to require afterward was a couple of hours of rest in front of the television while sipping on her plant-based energy drinks.

Since being given the time not only to practice but to truly succeed in her training, Star’s desire to help her fellow witches began to grow. After months of various meetings with her coven members, they were able to settle on a plan that would allow her and the family their own space away from prying eyes while establishing a safe and welcoming place for visiting witches.

On the far northeast end of the property, the coven built a small three-room house. The larger front room was turned into a waiting and reception area where witches could gather and rest before being granted their time with the Queen and King. Just off the front room was a door that led to a private meeting space where Akash, Star, and the Wolf Coven could assist their guests in privacy. In the far back of the house was a small kitchenette, a bathroom, and a single-use bedroom. Star envisioned it as a safe place for any witch who arrived after hours and found themselves in need.

The idea behind the entire project was to give witches who needed support a place to stay that naturals, or anyone else, could not access. The spell casting the Wolf Coven was preparing to perform on the property would allow traveling witches an innate sense of direction while remaining completely hidden from view. To accomplish this, a cloaking spell would have to be performed on such a large scale that the coven would need to involve their family, along with Darius and Sarah. The second half would be performed solely by the Wolf Coven themselves and would grant access to the undetectable structure.

As the group of witches meandered across the property on their way to the new meeting house, Algiz decided to broach the subject of the twins’ birthday celebration being planned by their familial coven. “While we have a minute,” he said, “I’d like to know what you both think about what the coven has planned for your twenty-first birthdays coming up.”

Knowing he wouldn’t like her answer, Star chose to stay quiet and allow Moondust to voice his opinion. To her surprise, it aligned far more with her own feelings than she expected. “I don’t see why there’s a push to make our birthday a holiday to be celebrated among all witches,” Moon said. “That seems weird to me.”

“Well, it was the day we received our Queen and, by default, the Wolf Coven,” Kai interjected.

Are you going to say something? Moon asked his sister privately.

Adjusting her hat, Star resigned herself to participating in the discussion. “Is there any way to get out of this?” she asked.

“Get out of your birthday? Are you serious, Sis?” Raidho chided her.

“I don’t mean getting out of our birthday,” she clarified. “I mean, is there any way we can stop this holiday idea from happening? I agree with Moon. The whole thing seems a little far-fetched. Having witches from all around the world celebrate us? That’s a lot to take in.”

Algiz shifted in the saddle while holding firmly onto Rhain, who sat in front of him. “Yeah, I get that. I don’t think this proposal is up for debate, though. It’s already a done deal, and there are a ton of witches looking forward to it. The only thing they’re asking our input on is whether we’re willing to have the celebration on our property or not.”

“If that’s all they want to know, then my vote is a solid no,” Star said firmly. “I don’t want any witches on our property or near our home. That’s why we’re doing all this work right now. I won’t change my mind on that.”

“I agree with Shiny,” Moon chimed in. “I like our new arrangement. It allows us to have family time, and it keeps the trouble away. I appreciate having our home be a place of refuge for all of us.”

Algiz called out to the coven members riding behind him, wanting to hear everyone’s opinion. “What do the rest of you think?”

“I agree with the twins,” William said.

“Same,” several others spoke up in agreement.

“Then that’s that,” Algiz announced. “I’ll call the Elders and let them know they’ll need to find a different venue for it. Any suggestions?”

“If we must do this, then I’d like to have it in Mt. Shasta,” Star said. “I’m assuming there will be hundreds of witches who show up for this event. I’d at least like to have it somewhere I love.”

Akash leaned over from his horse and took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “I think that’s a wonderful idea. What do you think about renting out the campground at Lake Siskiyou?”

“Yes!” Star’s eyes widened at his suggestion. “There are even little cabins on-site for people who don’t have trailers or tents. Do you think the owners of the campground would be okay with allowing hundreds of witches to take it over for a weekend?”

Akash laughed at her question. “They may not be witches, My Love, but they are good friends of my parents. Besides, they’re spiritualists and environmentalists—the best kind of naturals.”

Uncle Tunie trotted his horse up next to his nephews and niece. “I don’t mean to change the subject,” he said, “but can we go over the plan again really quick? I want to make sure I understand what we’re about to do here.”

Algiz lifted Rhain out of the saddle and handed her to Raidho before answering his uncle. “The first thing we’re going to do is grow some trees along the long gravel drive. We’re going to use them as a screen, so to speak, from where we’ll place the marker for visiting witches to summon us. This will give them some anonymity while also hiding their vehicles from the view of the road. After that, we’re going to perform a cloaking spell on the property that will encompass a couple of acres and allow the house to sit in the middle of it. Then we’ll have everyone in the Wolf Coven perform a blood Magick spell that will bind us to the property.”

“So, in the cloaking spell, we’re going to create an entirely different realm?” Tunie asked.

“Right,” Star said, clarifying. “We’re going to make it so that when witches enter, it always feels inviting and beautiful. We want them to immediately feel safe and valued once they arrive.”

Algiz could see there was still some confusion on their uncle’s part. “From the road, it will look like a gravel driveway that leads to nothing,” he explained. “Similar to many of the gravel drives on the ranches around here that farmers use for parking. In reality, it will lead witches to a hidden piece of property where they can call upon us and relax until we arrive. They won’t want for anything while they’re there, I promise. Will and Chaz have already agreed to take on the role of our functionaries, so they’ll always be the first ones to assess the situation.”

Nodding his head, more to himself than to the others, Tunie accepted what he was being told. “It sounds like you’ve thought of everything. What happens when you have a witch that’s less than well-intentioned, or even a demon of some sort, try to get past the barrier?”

“That’s where the blood Magick comes in,” Algiz explained. “To have the realm reveal itself so they can cross into it, a witch will have to feed their blood to gain entrance. The land will know whether they’re worthy or not, and it will immediately alert the coven either way.”

Vreni suddenly let out a shrill bark and dashed off toward the new meeting building. Star kicked Freya’s sides and galloped after the dog. As the building came into view, she could make out a silver two-door car parked in the gravel drive. The gleam of the windows flashed in her eyes as she urged her horse to go faster. Drawing closer, Star saw Vreni jumping excitedly and rubbing her side against a man. When he produced a ball and tossed it for the dog to retrieve, Star realized exactly who their visitors were.

Barely waiting for Freya to come to a complete stop, Star jumped from the saddle and threw herself into the awaiting arms of her dear friend and benefactor, Matthew. He laughed warmly as he caught her, lifting her easily and spinning her once before setting her back on the ground. When her feet touched the gravel again, he stepped aside and revealed the next surprise. Starshine squealed with delight as the passenger door opened and Anastasia stepped out.

With a joyful shout, Star ran to her. The two girls collided in an enthusiastic embrace, both of them laughing and shouting over one another as they celebrated the unexpected reunion. “Why are you here?” Star blurted out breathlessly. “Did my brothers know you were coming? Are you here to help? What’s going on?”

Matthew and Anastasia laughed at her rapid-fire questions, attempting to answer before she could interrupt them with another. “We’re here to assist in any way we can,” Matthew told her. “No one knew we were coming. It was a last-minute decision.”

Anastasia grabbed Star’s hands and spun her around in a circle. “I have so much to tell you!” she exclaimed. “I wanted to see your face!” Grabbing Star’s cheeks between her hands, she tipped her head back and shouted dramatically toward the sky. “Your beautiful, beautiful face!”

Hearing the sound of hooves slamming against the ground around them, the trio was quickly surrounded by the Wolf Coven, along with their family and friends. They swarmed the unexpected visitors, and a warm, loving reception quickly followed.

“Man, it’s good to see you,” Algiz exclaimed as he pulled Matthew into a hug. “What are y’all doing here?”

“You mean here in Red Bluff, or here on the property?” Matthew chuckled.

Watching his sister pull Anastasia toward the newly built meeting house, Algiz clarified. “I mean both.”

Matthew leaned back against the hood of the sports car, crossing his arms as he relaxed into an easy stance. “Ah, well, apparently what you’re about to do is a big deal to those in the other realms. My brother came to me, and we talked about it. Then I had a visit from some old Watcher friends of mine. They pleaded with me to come here and ask a favor of the coven.”

“Give me a minute,” Algiz said, turning toward the building. Placing his fingers in his mouth, he let out a sharp whistle. “Starshine! Get your butt out here!”

Star ran out the front door and stopped beside him. “What is it, Al?”

Algiz motioned with his head toward Matthew, silently letting her know they were about to hear a request.

“My Queen,” Matthew began, stepping forward. “I’ve been asked to come here and beg a favor of the Wolf Coven.” He gently took hold of her hands. “The Watchers would like to ask that you expand your terms of entry to those of my realm. We would like this place to serve as a safe house not only for witches, but for earthbound Watchers as well. As you know, we have a tendency to be hunted by those who wish to feast on our bones. This could secure a place where they can come and find sanctuary before being placed somewhere safer.”

“Well, the answer is obviously yes,” Star replied without even glancing at the others, “but I have a feeling there’s more to this proposal than you’re telling me.”

“Of course there is,” Matthew chuckled softly. “It’s the main reason I came to the earthly realm to begin with. You see, there’s about to be a large shift across multiple planes—this earthly one and the spiritual as well. It’s going to call attention to those of us who chose to come here and are still blissfully unaware of who they are. This shift will place a target on each of their backs and put them in danger.”

“So that’s where we come in,” Wynono interjected.

“Exactly. Ana’s coven has been working diligently on a large piece of property that I purchased. They’re building a literal town high up in the mountains of northern Idaho where it will be accessible strictly to witches and Watchers. Quite a few have already built homes there and are ready to take on the role of the town’s governing body. Honestly, I could never have imagined a more perfect family than the one I married into,” he said with a proud smile.

“What exactly are you asking of us?” Akash asked.

Seeing the concern in his eyes, Matthew tried to ease his worry. “My King, I’m simply asking that if and when a Watcher shows up, you send them my way. I already have a private hangar at the Red Bluff airport. Just call me when you have a Watcher here. I’ll send the plane and begin preparations for them on my end. All I ask is that you get them safely to the airport. If you all agree, we can discuss the details later—safety precautions and what their life will look like once they arrive in Idaho.”

“I can imagine their life in Idaho is going to be damn near perfect! I can’t wait to visit it myself!” Star exclaimed.

“You know that part of the casting is a blood ritual,” Moon interjected. “You’ll have to give of yourself to be included in this.”

“I’ve been made aware, and I’m fine with that,” Matthew replied with a laugh. “Hell, it won’t be the first time this land has drunk my blood.”

Everyone knew exactly what he was referring to. It had been the night he and Star were shot at by the impromptu visitor the succubus had sent to kill him. He had taken two wounds in that altercation but had ultimately saved both their lives. Akash nudged some gravel with the toe of his boot as he considered the request. “I don’t have a problem with this,” he announced to the rest of the coven.

Star stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him in a quick hug, letting him know how happy she was with his decision.

“I agree to this,” Wynono added. “I like the idea that what we’re doing is going to help on an even larger scale. It does mean Will and Chaz will need all the information—not only so they can reach Matt, but also so they can put the Watchers at ease.”

“If this helps the Watchers of this world, I say let’s do it,” William agreed. “I don’t think I could ever turn my back on one in need, especially after everything Matt has done for us.”

William was referring to Star’s assistant and Calian, his fellow coven member. The two of them had grown very close over the past year, eventually leading Calian to move out of the home he shared with his brother and into the ranch house with Sarah. Since her first arrival on the property, Sarah had occupied Algiz’s old room upstairs, which kept her in close proximity to Star. With Calian now living in the ranch house as well, Star felt even more secure knowing a larger number of Wolf Coven members were nearby.

Aunt Janie reached out for Rhain while the others began preparing for the spell casting. Pulling the youngest member of the family aside, she allowed the coven to gather together.

“Star, why don’t you try growing the trees and bushes that are going to line the roadway and drive?” Akash suggested.

“If it’s all the same, I think I’d rather use my skills elsewhere,” Star replied. “I know I can grow the foliage, but if my brothers did it, they would grow faster and stronger.”

Raidho placed his hand on his sister’s back in a quiet show of support. “It’s fine, Shiny. Al and I can take care of this part.” Leaning toward his brother, he whispered briefly with him before the two moved off to begin lining the roadway with dense bushes and towering fir trees.

Moondust quickly noticed an anomaly on one of the trees nearest to where they stood. He ran his fingers across the mark, studying it carefully as he tried to decipher its meaning. “What is this?” he asked his brother.

“It’s the sigil for safety,” Algiz explained. “I grew it directly into the tree so witches would know where to go.”

“Does it do something?” Matthew asked, leaning in for a closer look.

“It will as soon as Akash is finished with it,” Algiz said with a proud smile.

Clapping his hands together, Akash called the Wolf Coven members forward, along with Matthew, asking them to line up in front of him. “We’re going to start with the calling,” he announced. “This casting will bind the Wolf Coven—and now Matthew—to the earth here. We will forever be held accountable to the rules placed upon this soil and the realm we’re about to create. The only way to break free from it is to take back the blood offering, which we all know is nearly impossible. Not even in death will this coven be free from it. Do you all understand and accept what is about to happen?”

Together, they voiced their agreement.

Akash stepped in front of Matthew and pulled his ritual knife—his athame—from the loop at his belt. “Matt, I need to hear it from you directly that you are committed to this land and the laws it will be bound by. You will forever be notified when a Watcher crosses its threshold or if an adversary dares to attempt entry through the gateway. Are you willingly entering into this contract between Gaia and yourself?”

Matthew nodded solemnly. “I willingly enter of my own volition.”

Akash waved Aunt Janie forward. She approached with the ritual chalice in one hand while holding Rhain in the other. Extending his hand toward Matthew, Akash asked for his palm. “This part is going to hurt,” he said calmly, “but I promise you, not a drop of blood will be wasted.”

Drawing the blade of the athame across Matthew’s palm, Akash held his hand over the chalice and instructed him to repeat the words. “I bind myself to this earth and land. I agree to be a vessel for the Watchers that enter here. I will forever be a servant entwined to this ground and the casting placed upon it.”

Aunt Janie held the chalice steady while Matthew clenched his hand into a fist. Turning his knuckles slightly to the side, he watched as his blood dripped into the silver cup. Algiz stepped forward to stand beside Akash, and once enough blood had been collected, he quickly healed Matthew’s wound before returning to his place in line. One by one, Akash and Aunt Janie moved down the line of Wolf Coven members, completing the ritual until the chalice had been filled.

When the last drop had been given, Akash returned the athame to his belt and walked over to the tree Algiz had grown, where the sigil was carved deep into its bark. He motioned for Star to join him. Together, they dipped their fingers into the chalice before tracing the etched symbol on the tree.

“Blood of our blood, we do swear,

Fire, Earth, Water, Air,

Bind our powers to thy need,

With this Magick, thine do bleed.”

The sigil began to glow a bright scarlet, then quickly absorbed the ritual blood it was fed. Akash sliced through his hand, allowing a bright glowing light to spill from the wound. “By Spirit, keep safe all that enter here,” he whispered.

The bark beneath his hand began to grow, curling and expanding until it completely surrounded his palm. Moments later, it receded as though the tree had taken what it needed from him. With a sudden shake of its branches, a small pile of leaves fell to the ground in front of the Queen and King, and within seconds, a single rose began to grow from beneath the mound. The flower stretched rapidly upward until it stood over four feet tall. Along the thick stem, a single thorn appeared just beneath the budding blossom.

“Now what?” Star asked, waiting for her husband’s instructions.

“Now we repeat the process on the sigil carved into the old, weathered fence post at the street,” he told her.

Once the sigils had been established, Akash reached into the bag he had brought and removed four iron spikes. “Instead of splitting up, we’re going to walk to the four corners of the property together,” he explained. “Aunt Janie will light the incense mixture I created, and we’ll use it to outline the boundaries. We’ll bury one of these spikes in each corner, pouring our blood over each one before it’s covered with soil. When we’re finished, we’ll pour the rest of the blood in front of the dwelling to ensure safety for our visitors. Is everyone ready?”

“Will this create the illusion that nothing is here?” Sarah asked.

“No. Star and I will take care of that part once this is finished.”

Akash nodded toward Raidho, asking him to light the incense. The mixture was carried in an enclosed metal holder attached to a short chain, and as the flame caught, a thin ribbon of fragrant smoke began to curl into the air. Following the property line, the group stopped at each designated point to carry out the ritual, infusing the land with their energy. One by one, the iron spikes were driven into the earth, each corner of the boundary sealed with blood and intention. When it was finally finished, Star and Akash remained behind the building while the others respectfully made their way back to the gravel driveway.

Standing alone in the backyard of the new meeting house, Star took Akash’s hands and stepped close to him, gently rubbing herself against his arm as she looked up with a playful smile. “Now what?” she asked, rising onto her tiptoes to give him a soft kiss.

“Now we get some alone time.” He released her hands and pulled her into his arms. “This place will only exist as long as our love does. We have to love this land as much as we love and care for each other.”

“That’s not a problem,” she whispered. “I love this ranch, and I love you. You know there’s nothing else I want more than to be here forever with you.”

“I know that, Beautiful.” His voice softened as he brushed a strand of hair away from her face. “The Elements have been very clear about what they’re asking of us to make this happen, and it’s going to come with some pain. Are you okay with that?”

Star smiled mischievously before tugging him down onto the grass beside her. “I don’t think this is going to hurt as much as you think,” she teased.

Akash drew the athame from his belt and pressed the blade into the earth just above where Star’s head rested, the steel sinking into the soil as if the land itself welcomed it. “The Elements told me you would name this place when we’re finished,” he said softly, looking down at her with warmth in his eyes. “They’re going to grow a garden here for us… a Magickal one. Something meant for you and me.”

Star smiled up at him, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt as she gently pulled him closer. She brushed a line of soft kisses along his neck, her breath warm against his skin. “It’s perfect,” she whispered, punctuating the words with a playful nip that made him laugh under his breath.

A low groan escaped him as he shifted closer, the energy between them building in a way that had little to do with the physical and everything to do with the power moving through the land around them. Sitting up, he pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it aside as wind began to stir the grass. Star followed his lead, their movements unhurried and familiar, as if the world had fallen away and only the two of them remained.

They came together in the grass beneath the open sky, the earth warm beneath their bodies. Above them, the clouds thickened and churned, drawn by the Magick that pulsed through the soil below. Every breath they shared seemed to echo through the ground, every heartbeat feeding the spell they had begun. Akash laced his fingers with Star’s and lifted their joined hands above her head, holding them there as their movements fell into a steady rhythm. Their connection was more than passion; it was devotion, trust, and the ancient bond between King and Queen, channeling their love directly into the living world beneath.

The wind picked up, whispering through the trees Algiz and Raidho had grown along the road. The scent of rain and incense drifted through the air as the Magick answered their call. Star’s eyes opened briefly, drawn to the sky above. Dark clouds spiraled together, layered in deep shades of gray and silver as lightning flickered faintly within their depths. The storm was gathering, summoned by their union with the land. She closed her eyes again, surrendering to the warmth of Akash’s embrace and the energy rising through her body like a tide.

Akash felt the shift in her immediately. The Magick surged, building between them like a wave cresting higher and higher, and the earth beneath them hummed softly, responding to the power they were weaving together. Just as the moment reached its peak, Akash lifted his gaze and saw Standing Bear, the former Queen’s beloved guardian, standing just beyond them with the athame that had been planted in the soil moments before. His presence felt ancient and watchful, as though the spirits of the land itself had gathered to witness what was being born.

Star’s back arched as the Magick burst through her, her voice carrying across the open field like a cry of release and triumph. At that exact instant, Akash locked eyes with Standing Bear. “Now!” he commanded.

Standing Bear raised the athame with both hands. His expression was solemn, reverent, as if he were acting not of his own will but as an instrument of something far older than any of them. With a swift, deliberate motion, he drove the blade down through the space where Akash and Star’s hands were clasped together. Star’s eyes flew open as pain tore through her palms. The knife was pulled free and driven through the other hand just as quickly, blood spilling across their fingers and into the soil beneath.

Akash gritted his teeth but didn’t release her. Instead, he pulled her arms down beside her body and pressed her bleeding palms firmly against the earth. “Hold on, Baby!” he shouted.

At that exact moment, the sky split open. A brilliant streak of lightning tore through the dark clouds and came crashing down upon them, erupting the world in white light. The bolt shattered into fragments of living energy as it struck the ground, splintering around their bodies before flowing into them like liquid fire. The air roared with power, and the land itself seemed to tremble beneath them as the Magick they had summoned took hold. Their blood seeped into the soil while the storm raged overhead, and the energy of the Elements—Earth, Fire, Water, and Air—merged with the force they had already awakened together.

Star felt the ground shift beneath her back, as though the ranch itself had inhaled. The lightning surged through her body, and for one brief, terrifying instant, her heart stopped. Darkness rushed in so quickly she never even had time to fight it.

“Starshine!” Akash’s voice cut through the fading storm like a blade. “Open your eyes, Baby! Come on! Open those eyes!” he pleaded, gripping her shoulders and shaking her gently.

For a moment, there was nothing. Then Star drew a slow breath. Her eyelids fluttered before finally opening beneath the storm clouds still rolling above. The first thing she saw was Akash leaning over her, his face pale with fear. “Wh… what happened?” she murmured groggily.

“Oh, thank God,” he sighed, sitting back on his feet. “You passed out, Baby. Between the blood and sex Magick, then allowing the elemental Magick in, your body just gave out. Are you okay?” he asked, helping her sit up.

“Yeah,” she confirmed, allowing him to pull her up off the ground. “I feel pretty great, actually. I’m much stronger than I used to be.”

“I know you are, Beautiful. We couldn’t have done this if you weren’t.”

Star rubbed her eyes and began taking in the new world around her. “Oh my God! Did I die and go to heaven?” she remarked under her breath.

“I know, right?” Akash stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. “They grew this for us. The Elements truly believe in us, Shiny.”