Haven was solemn and still when I broke through the gate, stumbling directly into a hard, armored chest. Strong hands, each large enough to encircle my waist entirely, grasped me, steadying me, and I stared up, my heart skipping a beat, into Arantius's glowing eyes.
"Careful, little one," he murmured, letting me go slowly, as if afraid I was going to break.
I hurriedly backed away, my tail lashing anxiously as I beheld the remnants filling the island. Not just Arantius, Gathrin, or Jasrin, whom I expected, but hundreds of them. More than I'd ever seen gathered in one place. Fate herself stood among them, her hands folded at her waist, a small crease on her brow.
"F-Fate?" I asked, hesitating, unsure of whether I could even approach.
She opened her arms, and I fell into them, shivering as she patted my back.
"Why is everyone so scary?" I asked, peeking out from behind her sleeves at the remnants. Not one of them looked less than ready to level a city.
