Avery knew what she must do next. It would be the hardest that she would ever have to do. 

The Ancients began to chant louder and faster. Their words began to run together. The lights swirling around them moved quicker and brighter. 

Avery moved towards the Great Woman. She struggled to control the fear. 

“Have no fear my child. You are strong enough. You are the one I’ve been waiting for. Find your strength in your compassion. Remember, I will never be gone from you. I will be in you. You can call on me at any time.” The woman said quietly so know else but Avery could hear her as she sat in a chair. 

Avery’s fangs extended. She knelt on the floor next to the woman. The Great Woman offered her bare arm to Avery. 

“You must take every drop.” The woman said. Aver nodded as she bit her wrist.  

Fire ran through veins. Her marks seared permanently into her skin. She glowed so bright the Ancients had to shield her eyes. Avery struggled to keep her grip. 

Avery drank and drank. She was past full but knew she had to keep going. She felt like she had been drinking for hours but in reality it was only minutes. Finally, she felt the life of the Great Woman pass into her with the last drop of her blood. 

Avery released her grip on the woman’s arm. A bright light shined on the woman and then she was gone. 

“She has done it.”  The Ancients whispered. 

“Rise Great One.” Maxine said. 

“Take your place.” Another said. 

“No. You follow me. Call back your warriors. We must prepare for the Great Battle. I have unfinished business. Go to Turan. I will join you when I am done.” Flames erupted around her and she was gone.

She stepped out of the flames onto a field of grass. A hundred yards away was a log cabin. She headed towards it in a couple of steps she was there. She opened the door and went inside. 

Phylis was sitting in a arm chair reading a book. 

“You’re plan is coming together nicely.” She said without looking up.