*Blanca*

“It’s okay, Little Raven. I’m okay.”

Mr. Blake’s voice sounds in my head, and I freeze, afraid to breathe. This isn’t just like when a person thinks they hear someone’s voice because it’s so familiar to them. No, this is completely different. It’s as if I’m on the phone–something I’m never allowed to use–and I can actually hear Mr. Blake’s voice, and he’s talking directly to me.

“Wh-who? Who is talking to me please?” I say aloud as I also think the stuttering mess of a sentence.

“It’s me, Blake. I can hear you, Little Raven. You’re mind-linking.”

Shock ripples through me as I gasp and hold a hand...