The Sentinels these ancient stones will tell us our love must make us strong

Emaleth stood upon the threshold of the Otherworld, unable to see much of note with her blurry vision— only that the brightness matched that of her sister. It was true that she disliked the cold that emanated from the gate, but she also feared rebirth. The changes in this life were agreeable— but a new life altogether! That, Emaleth was not yet ready for; she was not done with this one. Even so, she remained there, looking out in search of the plaything that had led her here. Unsettled, she wondered if it meant to beckon her into the light, but chose to ignore that.

She shivered against Deirdre, also not ready to abandon the toy to the unknown. And, caught between two worlds, the dark child knew the wisdom in her sister's words. Emaleth answered not, merely accepting the words with peace— their eyes meeting acknowledgement enough.

Emaleth did not see the snowflake, not until it landed upon the tip of her nose— and in the same instant that it melted, she felt a frigid breeze throughout her body, originating from the place the crystal had greeted her. She took several paw steps backward, towards the warmth of the den, and in that moment decided she was true in her belief the Otherworld was not a place for her.