CHAPTER THREE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY SIX – THE NATIVE LANDS

As they pulled up to a modest house, a woman with long silver hair stepped out onto the porch. Her face was lined with age and wisdom, her dark eyes sharp as they took in Jasmine's disheveled appearance. "Yá'át'ééh," she greeted them. "Welcome, Jasmine. I am Sarah. Come, you must be tired." Jasmine hesitated, looking to Garcia. He nodded encouragingly. "It's okay. You can trust Sarah." Inside, the house was cool and dim, the air fragrant with sage and pine. Sarah bustled about, preparing tea while Garcia brought in Jasmine's bag. "You are safe here," Sarah said, setting a steaming mug in front of Jasmine. "The spirits of our ancestors protect this land." Jasmine wrapped her hands around the warm mug, feeling the tension begin to seep from her body for the first time in days. "Thank you," she whispered. "Both of you. I don't know how I'll ever repay you." Sarah's eyes crinkled with a smile. "There is no debt between family, child. Now, drink your tea and rest. Tomorrow, we begin t