The landscape around her was grey, both the sky and the water, with a hint of rain in the air. A dozen ships lay in the bay below the city, moving with the waves coming in from the open water. A small figure stood on the precipice jutting out from Northwind Castle, barely a pinprick against the grey sky, but the rise and fall of the water along the cliff wall gave him away. Damien was practicing his gift.

Selene pulled her cloak closer to her body and watched as wave after wave crashed against the rocky cliffs. There was no secret to what he was doing; everyone in Nor Esen could see him practicing, if they wanted.

She brushed her hair aside and wondered what it was like to have no secrets. Everyone knew Damien’s power. And they knew he used it for their protection. He held his people’s respect and admiration. She had seen it on the journey here and in the way those around Damien treated him in the castle and within the city.

Would the people of the mountain nation have treated House Ravenwood the same way if they knew what she and her family could do and that her family used their gift for the benefit of their nation? No secrets, just open honesty between the mountain people and her house? Was it possible that a long time ago, back before they were dreamkillers, House Ravenwood was respected?

Selene sighed and turned away. She didn’t know. She continued to pick her way along the trail that ran along the top of the cliffs toward Baris Abbey. She hoped to find Cohen and ask him more about the Light. She wanted to know more about this being Damien followed and even worshiped with his gift. What was the Light like? Did he work for House Maris like the Dark Lady did for House Ravenwood?

Did the Light illuminate Damien’s soul?

Was there a connection between the Light and her new nightmare?

Tall pine trees lined the trail on the right, and light-colored grass grew on the left, right before the ledge gave way. The air grew more dense and misty the longer she walked, coating her face and exposed fingers in tiny droplets. Twenty paces behind, she could sense Karl following her, a shadow to her every movement. At least he was quiet and unobtrusive. He had even dropped his unpleasant expression and now appeared impassive.

As she rounded the bend, a lone stone building came into view near the cliffs beyond a field of tall grass. Baris Abbey. Cheery light shone from the huge arched windows lining the first and second story. The roof was steep and angular, with blue tiles covering the top. A trail led through the waving grass to a set of tall wooden double doors that led into the abbey.

A bell rang, its dulcet tones ringing out across the field and cliffs. Then a second bell. Moments later, the soft sound of chanting filled the air.