The Azure Depths messenger arrived at breakfast, swimming up through the central fountain with news that made Saguna drop his coral cup.
"A merchant vessel requests permission to dock," the water-spirit announced. "They carry a passenger seeking Saguna Taksa of Teluk Jati."
"Mom," Saguna whispered. His hands started shaking. "She's actually here."
It felt like years since he'd seen her, even though it had only been a few weeks. But those weeks had included the spirit realm, dimensional battles, finding out Sahara was alive, and becoming some kind of magical guardian. How do you explain that to the woman who used to make you rice cakes and worry about your Wednesday episodes?
"Are you ready for this?" Osa asked gently.
"No," Saguna said honestly. "How do I tell her everything that's happened? She thinks I've been at the Academy this whole time."
