Excerpt: Return of the Queen, Songs in the Darkness

Lilli cradled the smooth crystal in her cupped hands, marveling at the way the light inside arced and flashed beneath the opaque surface. It reminded her of a holo-globe, snowy white before the exterior faded away to reveal the image trapped inside.

There was more than an image trapped inside the crystal Kiala had given her. Even through her shields, she felt a strong sense of presence, intelligent presence, not like the crystal Kiala bore on the top of her staff.

Who are you? she marveled. What are you? Can you see me? Can you sense me like I sense you?

A flare of energy erupted from the crystal, so powerful it stung Lilli’s palms. She dropped the crystal and jumped back, dropping into a crouch. It wouldn’t take much to dart into the brush on either side if the need arose, though a calm inner voice in the back of her mind reminded her that Kiala wouldn’t have given her anything that would hurt her. Her father wouldn’t have allowed it.

The flare solidified into a humanoid form, though the hazy glow from the crystal obscured the figure, reflecting the orange glow of the sunset with such intensity that Lilli was forced to close her eyes.

Yes. The voice resounded in her mind. I can see you like you see me. And I sense you always, Child: through dreams, through your father, through your touch on my crystal.

Lilli squealed, pressing her hands to her head as she struggled to strengthen her shields and close out the voice. It hurt so much, so deep inside, some place she hadn’t known she had, some place that the presence could touch. As the presence vanished and the pain subsided, she realized with sorrow that it was a place close to the damage that remained of the bond she’d once shared with her father.

“I will not harm you.” This time the voice was audible. “I assure you that I meant no harm, but when you questioned me, I assumed you wanted answers in return.”

Slowly, the glow faded to reveal the woman that had spoken to Lilli inside her mind.

She was beautiful, quite possibly the most beautiful woman Lilli had ever seen. And, in spite of the fact that none of the images--whether flat or holographic--Lilli had ever seen did her justice, it was impossible not to recognize her immediately.

Queen Ayana.

Thick hair spilled to her shoulders--and just beyond--in thick waves of dark auburn. Thin filaments of gold, ornamented with an array of tiny jewels, cascaded from a small, but elegant crown atop her head, and intertwined with strands of her hair to form a glittering net. Her robes were finer than anything Lilli had ever seen, smooth, satiny, and golden like rays of morning sun.

“Do you speak?” The queen took a step forward.

Lilli shuffled backwards, uncertain what behavior one should exhibit in the presence of a queen.

Ayana cocked her head to study Lilli. “You’re much more powerful than I expected.” Her expression darkened. “That would explain K’nie’s attempts to keep you.” Her features softened. Almost hesitantly, she spread her arms. “Poor dear. You look like you could use a hug.”