The Goddess's expression softened as I agreed to her training. Relief washed over her divine features, making her look almost human for a moment.
"The process will not be easy," she warned. "To communicate more clearly with you, we must go beyond this temple, into the desert."
"The desert?" I glanced down at my swollen belly, doubt creeping in. "I'm not exactly in peak hiking condition."
She placed her palm against my cheek, her touch cool like moonlight. "Your body is weak from carrying my grandson, yes. The journey will tax you. But Rhys is strong—stronger than you know. My blood flows through both of you."
"What exactly will happen out there?" I asked.
The Goddess's eyes flickered with ancient knowledge. "In the sacred sands, the veil between realms thins. There, I can fully manifest my power without... complications."
"Complications?"
"The dark forces watching this temple," she said gravely. "Their eyes cannot penetrate the desert's magic. We will be protected there."
