The next morning, Killian helped Regis settle beside the Ancient Tree. Pandora adjusted the folded cloak behind his back, then caught his wrist before he could reach towards the bark.
"Before you're exhausted, Brother."
"I remember." Regis smiled at her and rested his palm against the trunk, letting Soul Possession carry him into Flona's consciousness.
She was waiting among the roots with her arm already held out. The dark marks had grown much smaller since his first visit, though several still disturbed the green light beneath her skin.
"You're getting impatient," he said, sitting beside her.
"I want them gone."
"So do I." He took her hand and examined the remaining patches before glancing up at her. "Flona, do you remember the last time you spoke with your sister? Hagios asked whether anything unusual happened."
Her fingers went still in his. "The Pope is trying to understand why you can't hear her," Regis explained. "You don't have to answer if you're tired."
