Adelaide clutched at her mouth and stomach simultaneously. After a moment, she released her mouth. “I think it’s getting easier, but it still sucks.” “You’d prefer flying?” “You can fly?” “Sure, I just buy a ticket.” I started walking toward the Temple. “Wait, did you just…? Was that a joke?” Receiving no answer, she crawled to her feet and asked instead. “Is that where we’re going?” The Temple was surrounded by monks who lived in a state of balance between Heaven and Hell. They were untouchable by either side, in ways, and vulnerable to both in ways. It was not a given that our request for asylum would be granted, especially since we were both bathed in the blood of Demons and Fallen and reeked of trouble. The tiny girl that walked down the path toward us suggested to me that they would reject our request. If they were to honor us, they’d have sent one of the elders. I must have sighed when I noticed the young girl, because Adelaide leaned onto my shoulder and whispered, “What’s wrong?
