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XAREX

They followed the strange being who had greeted them through a narrow path in the jungle. Xarex went first, keeping a watchful eye out for any dangerous plants and animals. Nora was right behind him and he turned his head every once in a while to be sure she was safe.

He sent a silent prayer to the Goddess that they would be able to get the Flower of Healing or what The One who Cares for All called “ Syrilla’s Bloom .” Nora’s desperation was almost palpable and he was genuinely worried about what might happen to her if they couldn’t get the cure for her daughter.

But he didn’t just want the cure for Anna because of Nora , though that was certainly a large part of his motivation. He was already quite attached to the child. Her sweet, open demeanor at the Joining ceremony had touched Xarex’s heart. And when she’d put her little arms around his neck and called him “ Daddy ,” he’d felt the emotions of warmth and protectiveness wash over him in waves.

No matter what happens, we have to get this flower, he told himself as they walked through the jungle. We can’t go home without it. No matter what the price is, we have to pay it!

If only he had known how high the price would actually be he might have felt differently…