“So here I am, I guess, I’m not sure how one connects with a tree? Terili said to relax and just listen, so I, um, guess I’ll try.” I say as I sit down next to the tree. Not really sure if I am even allowed to lean against it. Like, who leans against an Epic rarity tree that can revive people? Would the tree get mad if I did that? Fuck, how do I justify being worthy of a second chance at life to a tree? I can’t even justify it to myself. It's not like I’ve ever done anything important. I don’t have any grand ambitions or a noble cause.

  My greatest achievement in life is stealing enough money to buy that ice magic book from Eddy when we found out my sister had somehow gotten a Snow Mage class despite neither of our parents having mana. I wanted her to have a chance to control her life. Getting her that book meant she didn’t have to sell herself to a House in return for training.

  Shards, I hope Eddy lives. I don’t expect him to forgive me for the mess I made of his life, but hopefully it's better than dying. He’s like the brother I never had. It's going to be lonely if he leaves.

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  At some point, my arms had wrapped around my knees. “Dad, I don’t know how to do this without you. Lani is going to be old enough that she should go to a proper magic school, but I can’t do that. I know she could get in if she joined a House, but after what happened to you, none of us would accept that. But if she doesn’t get to a school, she will be an unlicensed mage in a few years, and … maybe it might be better if we all leave when Eddy does.”

  A quiet thump behind me scatters my thoughts. The Life Tree is pulsing slowly. “Been listening to my failures, huh? Got any words of wisdom as a weird overpowered tree?” Suddenly, I feel warm, and the air smells of lavender and morning dew. My body feels heavy and light at the same time. It's like I’m floating but have no energy to move either. I can feel myself rising, a bud along one branch calls to me for some reason. I feel myself pulled into something like a strong hug. The kind that feels warm and lets you know life isn’t ok, but gives you hope that maybe tomorrow could be.

  Then I feel myself coming down from the branches, and I can see my body. I’ve been crying, and I'm not sure I want to return, life is full of assholes, pain, unfairness, and … it sucks. It's peaceful wherever I am right now, but I know I can’t stay. I return and rest my head against the bark of the tree.”Not sure why you gave me a second chance, but I’ll try not to waste it.”

  Life Tree Attunment Complete

  Death within the Dominion is temporary.

  The Heartwood Patriarch offers you the gift of safety.