Silver Creek interruptus

The first to greet her is a familiar face, though not the one she sought—Oryx. Perhaps it is better this way. Grayson will not take kindly to her new aura, one darker than before, less pure. He will know it instantly, as will Harrison. Oryx, at least, may understand in some measure what she has been through, though Addison has no plans to tell her of it. Not yet.

Oryx, she calls gently, lifting her chin and beckoning her closer. The dark woman had been an ally, and Addison hopes to keep her in that category. Her polar eyes stray, then, to a flash of movement nearby, a shadow among the trees.

Iliksis.

Their eyes meet, and hunger stronger than anything she has known rises up within her, terrifying in its intensity. Before she can step toward him, he moves away, leaving the scene. With a shuddering inhale, she turns to Oryx, blinking slowly, as if transfixed.

How is everything here? she asks. How are my siblings?

Will Grayson heed her call?