C20 THE ECHOES OF THE FIRST LIFE

Reed stood frozen as the ghostly forms of the ancient priests surrounded them. Their faces were calm, almost serene, but their eyes—those soft gold lights—held something deeper than fear or awe.

They held recognition.

Davu whispered, “Reed… did you die before… or am I hallucinating?”

“You’re not hallucinating,” Reed murmured.

“Then can I hallucinate instead?” Davu whispered