Page 242 of The Debtor's Game

“Made it where?” I rasp.

“Why, the House of Death, of course.”

I’m alive,I marvel, and it is not a question this time, but a statement.

And on the breeze that slips over my unmarked skin is the strangest sound and scent. A hushing of water, the caw of some unknown bird, the smell of salt.

“What is that?” I manage, words slurring again.

“You call it the Amyrian Desert, but here it goes by another name. The Great Beach.”

“Beach? I don’t know this.”

Their chuckle rumbles my cheek. “Those of the valley know little, but it is no matter, for you will have plenty of time to learn.”

Darkness tugs at me like a child on my arm. Exhausted, I turn to it as the figure speaks one last time: “Welcome to banishment, Avery.”

I meet their green eyes and wonder if this is home.

Then inky freedom embraces me, and I embrace it.