Page 107 of Feral Gods
"The way back requires sacrifice," I communicate without words, concepts transferring directly between our non-physical presences. "I offer guidance at my own risk, freely given."
His essence responds with characteristic directness—gratitude and concern intermingled with fierce determination. Even without conventional form, his identity remains unmistakably Thane—warrior's directness, protective instinct, passionate intensity that defined him in life.
"Together," his response forms without words. "Not your sacrifice alone. Shared transition."
Understanding flows between us—not his rejection of my sacrifice but proposal of more efficient approach. Rather than my consciousness serving as bridge, our combined essences could traverse the pathway simultaneously, supporting each other through final transition.
The solution presents significant risk—potential entanglement of our distinct patterns during crossing—but offers superior probability of mutual survival compared to my original approach. Theoretical implications alone would occupy scholarly analysis for decades, were circumstances less urgent.
"Agreed," I communicate, our essences aligning in preparation for simultaneous transition. "On synchronization mark."
Through our shared connection, Kaia and Ravik sense the modified approach, their energies adjusting to accommodate the altered transition sequence. The triangular formation shifts slightly, magical currents reconfiguring to support dual crossing rather than guided return.
"Three," Kaia's voice resonates through dimensions, counting down our synchronized attempt.
"Two," Ravik continues, amber energy intensifying around the physical reconstruction now complete in the ritual circle's center.
"One," I conclude, aligning perfectly with Thane's essence as we begin transition together.
Reality blurs, dimensions overlap, existence itself seems to fold and unfold simultaneously as we traverse the pathway between states. Physical sensation returns in overwhelming rush—weight, temperature, pressure, pain—as consciousness reintegrates with material form.
The transition completes with concussive force that disrupts the ritual circle, magical energies discharging in brilliant flash that temporarily blinds conventional perception. When awareness returns, I find myself sprawled beside the thermal pool, physical form intact but dangerously depleted.
Beside me lies copper-hued form Thane's reconstructed body, perfectly recreated in his transformed state. For heart-stopping moment, no movement indicates successful consciousness transfer. Then his chest rises in sudden, desperate inhalation, crimson eyes snapping open with warrior's immediate alertness.
"It worked," Kaia breathes from her position across the ritual circle, exhaustion and elation mingling in her voice. "You're back."
Thane sits up with characteristic fluid grace despite just returning from non-existence, crimson gaze sweeping our ritual space with tactical assessment before settling on each of us in turn. When his eyes meet mine, understanding passes between us—shared experience of liminal space creating connection transcending conventional relationship.
"You risked everything," he states simply, the familiar rumble of his voice affecting me more powerfully than expected after hearing it only through dimensional filter.
"Calculated risk," I reply, scholarly detachment failing to mask genuine emotion. "Acceptable exchange rate for specific outcome."
His knowing smile suggests he sees through academic phrasing to emotional truth beneath—that I would have sacrificed completely had partial sacrifice proven insufficient. That love, not calculation, drove my decision.
Ravik approaches cautiously, amber eyes wide with wonder and lingering disbelief. "Brother," he greets simply, the singleword carrying centuries of shared history and recent grief transformed to joy.
"Commander," Thane returns with hint of his old irreverence, then more seriously, "Thank you for bringing me back."
"Thank Zephyr and Kaia," Ravik corrects, uncharacteristic humility replacing former authority. "Their knowledge and power made resurrection possible. I merely provided stability."
"You all brought me back," Thane amends, rising to his full impressive height despite recent reconstitution. His transformed body appears identical to its previous state—copper-hued skin gleaming in moonlight, powerful wings extending experimentally behind him. "I remember... fragments. Awareness without form. Waiting. Then Zephyr's voice guiding me home."
Kaia approaches last, her small form practically vibrating with contained emotion. When she reaches him, words seem inadequate—she simply presses herself against his chest, arms circling his waist with fierce possessiveness that belies her physical delicacy.
"Never again," she murmurs against his chest. "No more heroic sacrifices."
His arms enfold her gently, transformed features softening with tenderness few besides us ever witnessed. "No promises in uncertain world," he replies honestly. "But perhaps more consultation before dramatic gestures."
Their reunion affects me unexpectedly—scholarly detachment dissolving completely before genuine emotional response. The completion of our circle, the restoration of balance between four distinct yet complementary beings, satisfies something fundamental in my transformed nature.
Ravik meets my gaze over their embracing forms, similar emotion evident in his amber eyes despite commander'shabitual reserve. Without words, we move to join them, completing the circle of connection that defines our unusual family.
As four-fold embrace gradually relaxes, practical concerns reassert themselves. The resurrection ritual, while successful, has attracted attention—magical disturbance of this magnitude creates ripples through reality detectable by sufficiently sensitive practitioners.
"We should move soon," Ravik suggests, tactical awareness never completely dormant despite emotional circumstances. "This location, while remote, cannot be considered secure after working of such magnitude."
"Agreed," I confirm, scholarly assessment aligning with tactical evaluation. "Trans-dimensional working creates distinctive magical signature. Anyone specifically searching would detect residual energy patterns."
