Book Eight: Chapter 178

The creature walked over to her. “It seems like you have sustained some sort of damage.” A soft, furry hand caressed the back of her neck. “I foresee you will live, but only just. I have seen it. Or I am seeing it. Am I seeing what I’m seeing, or just seeing what I’ll see later? Wow, what fun!”

Natalie’s thoughts tumbled as the creature walked around the room. It was completely silent. The few times she was able to see it, the thing was hunched over and she only got a look at the cloak it wore. It looked like a pair of wings.

“Don’t think me heartless,” the creature said. “The people who find you are very combative. If I were to drag you out of here in your current condition, they will assault me. I’m afraid my visage is quite unsettling and open to interpretation.” The entity knelt by her once more. “And I apologize to those riding along in your mind right now. I’m sure they’re uncomfortable, too.”

“Who?” A single word question was all she could manage.

“Who