Chapter 281: Frozen Ring

Emily was walking at the edge of a lake, soft sand beneath her bare feet. From time to time she leaned over to inspect something, a smooth rock, pebble, a twig, an interesting bit of grass. Things that she normally would not have had time to study, had she been back in her regular life. But after all that she had been through, having her heart torn in two just when she thought things were finally going her way. Emily had earned that little bit of rest, and so she was enjoying it without a shred of guilt in her. 

The day itself seemed to know that she needed a break because the sun was just the right side of warm and the wind was a cooling presence against her skin. Nothing was fighting her. Not the water, not the earth, not the wind. The elements themselves were giving her a much needed win. Who was she not to take it?