Becoming (37 page)

Knorbis and Malukali, being from the two
classes most in tune with mental processes, had done what they
could during the dark time. They both spent most of the past month
sitting with Gabriel, giving him an outlet for his grief. They had
listened to his many stories about the human plane. About his
relationship with Amber. Although they hadn’t understood it on the
most basic emotional level, they certainly listened and
absorbed.

It had also helped Knorbis better understand
the odd reactions he had when in Malukali’s presence…but those
self-revelations were his to deal with at a more appropriate
time.

“I believe Gabriel explained that to her,” he
replied finally. “They do not keep things from each other. As I
understand it, they can read each other’s thoughts, so deceit is
really impossible.”

Ini-herit grunted. “It seems that Gabriel has
helped her learn to move past the typical barrier she once placed
between herself and others. She has clearly accepted her
sisters.”

Knorbis agreed. “They will need her strength
as much as she will rely on their individual powers. She risked
herself for them, and they did the same for her. That will help
them bond and guide them through any challenges to come. They will
need every advantage they can get.”

“Do you really believe she has developed an
immunity to the cursed blade?”

Nodding, he said, “I am confident of it. She
has more depth of faith and spirit than we could have guessed, or
she would have succumbed to the cursed blade’s deadly powers.”

No one would think to question Knorbis now
regarding such things. His prediction about the half-human girls
and their impact on the Estilorians had proven true thus far, after
all. And no one had ever believed that could happen. And so,
Ini-herit simply nodded.

“She does not know it yet,” Knorbis said, his
gaze still focused on the beautiful young woman who strummed the
guitar and looked at his dear friend with so much love. “But she
will lead us all in the fight against the Mercesti with her sisters
by her side. And it will come sooner rather than later.”

When Ini-herit didn’t respond, Knorbis turned
and clapped him on the back. “Until then, though, there is no
reason why we should not join the others in celebration.” Pulling
on Ini-herit’s arm, he smiled. “Come on, my friend. It is time to
go and welcome a brighter future.”

Note from the Author

To borrow a well-loved quote from Samuel
Johnson, “A writer only begins a book. A reader finishes it.” Thank
you for helping me finish
Becoming
, a book that is much like
a firstborn child to me. I hope you’ll check out
Central
,
the second book in the Daughters of Saraqael Trilogy, now available
everywhere e-books are sold.

Website:
http://www.RaineThomas.com

twitter:
http://twitter.com/Raine_Thomas

Central:
http://www.RaineThomas.com/books/Central

Foretold:
http://www.RaineThomas.com/books/Foretold

About the Author

Raine Thomas is the author of a series of
young adult fantasy/romance novels about the Estilorians. She has a
varied background including such professions as wedding planning
and mental health…two fields that intersect more often than one
would think. Residing in Orlando, Florida with her husband and
daughter, Raine is hard at work on her next series of books about
the Estilorians: the Firstborn Trilogy.