The elderly woman took the two pieces of the hourglass in her hand. A faint, almost mellow smile appeared on her lips as she closed her fingers around the pieces of the hourglass.

“I am in your debt, Azazel, young man.” She whispered as she clenched her fingers further. The muffled sound of something cracking sounded. Then, a fine dust flowed from between her fingers. The cool breeze caught the dust, carrying it away from the patio.

The elderly woman smiled. “No, come back.” Her voice was calm, almost as if she was speaking to an old friend. “I’m right here.”

The wind whirled, suddenly changed its direction, and blew the dust right back at her.

She closed her eyes and smiled. Kyle braced himself for… something.

“It’s alright now.” Her motherly voice reached his ears. “It feels good to be whole again.” She turned her gaze towards the sky. “It is a beautiful day, isn’t it?”

Kyle disagreed. Dark clouds covered the sky.

“It is good to have you back, Record Keeper.” Azazel bowed his