The trio had made good time and had reached the border in under two days. With only two more steps they would enter Aelia. Teanne looked at the invisible line and took a quick breath. One more week and they would reach the plains and she would reach Jacob. She suddenly felt very nervous.
'Well, what are you waiting for?' Teanne turned to Lin who was smiling cheekily. Over Lin's shoulder she saw Hazel. The young girl had not spoken to her over the last few days, and had kept to herself or only spoke to Lin. Teanne did not blame her, she wasn't exactly welcoming her with open arms. Hazel was a constant reminder of what the Mesi and the Order Lords had done to Luia. The Estrus notably had been quiet, it was not reacting to her anger at the young girl, or to her moods. It was simply there, almost waiting for what was coming. Teanne turned back around and willed herself to move, and with two small steps stepped into Aelia.
A sharp pain shot up her arm and she collapsed to the ground.