A Division of Souls - A Novel of the Mendaihu Universe by Jon Chaisson

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  …Karinna? Sis? It’s me, Denysia. Can you hear me?

  I know you’re okay…I sense you from down here. You might ache a bit, but you’re not injured. Anando and Amna brought you to one of the back rooms in the mezzanine, you’ll be safer up there. Don’t worry about me. I’m surrounded by good people, good spirits. They’ll protect me. It’s their job to do so.

  Listen…I…

  I need to do this, and I need to do it now, before it gets too dangerous. I want to tell you everything, explain it all to you…but I can’t, not right now, I don’t have time. All I can say is that I know what I’m doing. I know you look out for me and all, but you don’t have to try so hard…not anymore. I have a lot of people on my side.

  I want to thank you for what you told me. You know, that night, about Mom and Dad. I kind of knew some of it, but not everything. Hearing the truth made all the difference. I don’t feel nearly as afraid as I thought I would, being who I am now. I’d sort of made peace with Mom and Dad dying, but…this was like closure. Like I finally had a reason for moving forward again. It still hurts sometimes, but I’m strong. I can handle it.

  I want — I need to say more to you, but I also need to focus on what I’m doing right now, so this is going to sound a bit disjointed. Bear with me.

  Look — I know you’re afraid. I know you’re afraid you’ll lose me like we lost our parents. You’re afraid to let me go, and you’re absolutely terrified that I’m now the One of All Sacred. Hell, the moment I understood who I was, it scared the hell out of me too. That’s why I disappeared the way I did this afternoon — I had to back away to regain myself. But I had Ampryss helping me then, and I have all of you helping me now. I’m not alone, sis! I’ve got so many people watching me right now! It feels so weird, yet so comforting. To be loved with absolutely no strings attached.

  I…

  I have to step away again for a little while, so you may not see me when you awaken, okay? But please…have faith in me. This will all end peacefully. I can do this.

  Never forget that I love you, Karinna. You are my anchor. You won’t ever lose me.