Serena's eyes started to glaze over after all the notifications but she saw that there were some new things here as she focused on certain information.

  There was no mention of how long they lasted but she assumed it would depend on what had been done and the power of the user as well as the amount of magic-infused within the portal itself.

  Serena looked up after finishing that part and then back down again when she saw two more notifications waiting for her. They seemed like the same thing though so she moved on to the next one without looking at this other notification.

  She shivered again then looked back up at her screen. The screen vanished with the last update and Serena focused her attention on the horse. Or Risen Horse, she supposed it was called.

  "How about Skully?"

  "Tell me you are joking," Ravana hissed, disgusted at the name.

  The horse neighed and nodded happily. Much of the fear was gone from his eyes.

  Serena reached out a hand, stopping at the slightly upturned lips that revealed the horse's now sharpened fangs. She then continued and laid a hand on his forehead before stroking it and heading to the ears.

  "It's alright Skully. I know you are scared but I will do my best to protect you. I won't hurt you, sweetling." Serena smiled as he nuzzled against her fingers. He seemed to calm down some more so she moved onto his nose. "I'm sorry this happened to you."

  Skully snorted softly as if in agreement with her words. Serena kept petting him for several minutes until she felt like she could move away without being attacked or feeling uncomfortable herself. Lucian had been watching this whole time with interest as well as a concern as he waited patiently while she worked her way over towards him. Once she got close enough she looked at him and realized that he seemed to be just staring at her.

  Lucian's expression was strange. She couldn't tell if he was in awe of her power or what exactly. It was like he had witnessed a miracle. His eyes were bright with a zealousness that took her aback. He gave a small smile that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. She hadn't seen such pure happiness from anyone before, not even Veles.

  The notification said that Lucian was a fanatic so he would be devout in his beliefs. What if it wasn't just to his chosen deities but the mere concept of it could earn this depth of devotion?

  Serena decided it might be best to ask before things went too far, but when she opened her mouth, no words came out.

  "Do not be a fool and disillusion him. If some idiot sees you as divine in some way, make use of it. become it if you must," Ravana whispered, his voice soft and swift. "But do nothing rashly."

  She nodded her head, more to herself than anything. "Lucian, I have much to ask you. But first, we need to see Mint."

  Lucian's expression mellowed out slightly at the reminder of the hurt pixie and she discretely breathed a sigh of relief at that. "Of course, Lady Serena."

  She tried not to flinch at the respect he now seemed to bestow upon her. It was odd for someone who had been working as an oracle to suddenly bow their heads to something that wasn't of divine origin. It was almost frightening how quickly he changed from being just another person to something else entirely.

  She felt the urge to run away from the man but she knew that he would follow her.

  So instead she turned around to Skully and comforted the Risen Horse. "I will be back shortly and when I do, we will leave this wretched place."

  The horse looked between her and Lucian before nudging her with his massive head. She stroked the fine coat for another minute before leaving with her companion.