SAGE

The warmth of the fire filled the center hut, wrapping around me like an old memory. I leaned back against the soft sofa, a slow smile pulling at my lips as I let my gaze wander around the space that had once been my haven.

The walls were still etched with faint symbols Diana and I had drawn when we were being magically adventurous. The air smelled faintly of herbs and smoke, with the soft murmur of evening insects seeping through the cracks in the window slats.

Diana sat beside me, her eyes bright and questioning. "So?" she pressed, nudging my arm. "How's the mission going? You've been gone...