CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY EIGHT – THEY ARE NOT ALONE

Karina felt a pang of disappointment, watching her withdraw behind that emotional barrier once more. It was clear there was still so much wounded vulnerability in Nancy crying out for acknowledgment, for healing...But she supposed the druid would resist those profound scars being lanced open, no matter how sorely she needed that cathartic release. With a resigned sigh, Karina scooted closer to the brazier's dwindling flames, cradling Becky and preparing herself for what was sure to be an arduous planning session ahead. As much as she longed to help mend Nancy's afflicted soul, they had far more dire matters to attend to first. Gwen's very life hung in the balance, and Karina would be damned before allowing her own emotional fragility to jeopardize that mission - no matter how much the druid's veiled torment tugged at her heartstrings in the process. She set her jaw, pulling the heavy folds of her cloak tighter against the chill of the crypt. The Sanctus butchers had her dearest frie