Page 21 of Gift from the Stone

“In the shifter community, if the current Alpha dies or retires, their heir will take over. Since Jarod didn’t have any heirs, the strongest wolves in the community will participate in a trial for the position. They’ll go through a series of things, much like what Tillman had to do for his position, to prove their strength and ability to run a pack that large and partially corrupt,” I explain in a quick breakdown of shifter culture.

Suddenly, Willow gasps and stiffens.

“What’s wrong? What’s going on?” I try to turn her toward me, but she’s frozen, unmoving. “Someone answer me.”

“Her stone must be showing her something.” Corentin kneels in front of her, about to place his hand on her knee, when Gaster snaps.

“Don’t touch her. You’ll break her concentration. That isn’t a memory from her stone. Her eyes don’t change like that when she sees a memory.”

We all glare at him, our eyes ordering him to give us more information than that, but he has his undivided attention on Willow. Hopping out of his chair, he rushes over to her bag and rummages around, grabbing her journal and a pen. Then he stands beside her like he’s preparing for her to do something.

“Gaster, what’s going—”

Eyes still unfocused, Willow begins reaching her hands out in front of her, feeling the empty space. Gaster places the pen in Willow’s left hand and gently leads it down to where he’s opened her journal on the table. Frantically, she begins scribbling a name over and over.

Lyker Quinn. Lyker Quinn. Lyker Quinn.

“Why is she writing Lyker’s name?” I growl.

“I don’t know. He just transferred back not too long ago,” Tillman comments just as Willow takes another gasping breath.

“Lyker Quinn has to enter into the Terravile pack Alpha trials,” she rushes out before leaning to the side and throwing up.

“Oh no. I’ll get the towels,” Gaster shouts as he runs out of the living room.

“I’m so sorry. Did I get any on you? Fuck, that’s so gross and embarrassing.” She lays her head in her hands and groans.

“No, nothing got on me. I’m more worried about you and what just happened,” I grunt, holding her hair back from her face and rubbing circles on her back.

“Here, drink. Caspian, a hand with cleanup, please,” Gaster instructs before turning around and closing Willow’s journal, putting it back in her bag.

“Gaster, what’s going on?” Corentin asks impatiently.

“We’ve all seen how someone looks when they have a vision. Unlike the normal white cloudy void, your eyes, Willow, turned silverish purple, like a mixture of your normal color and your stone. Though your eyes were different, that was most certainly a vision. I believe your gift may be the sight, child. This was a lot subtler than I imagined your gift would emerge,” he says as he sits in front of her, observing her features.

“The sight? Like I’m going to randomly see the future, and have to scribble out what I see? Are you serious?” Willow screeches with wide, worried eyes.

“No, you won’t. It’s usually just the first few visions but maybe this isn’t your gift. Maybe it’s something else. We’re going to keep that possibility open. What did you see, princess?” Corentin gently grips her chin, turning her head to look at him. He’s freaking out. This is the last damn thing he wants to be her gift.

“I…” she trails off, tears welling up.

“She can’t tell us. It’ll change the outcome.” Caspian fills in her silence.

“I saw many different things happen, but they all started the same, and I saw what would happen if I told you all. I’m assuming those are different paths, right?” she asks quietly.

“Yes, child. Many times, with the sight, you’ll see many paths that can be taken or avoided. If the course is set in stone, you’ll see just the one scenario,” Gaster explains.

“I’m so sorry. I’ve told you what I can then. He and his Nexus need to leave tomorrow. Please know, I’d tell you everything if I could. I’m so sorry, Corentin,” she says gently, cupping his cheek.

“I know you would, baby. It’s okay. I’m not sure if this is truly your gift emerging. At least I hope it’s not your gift. I’m hoping this is just some variation of what your stone usually does. Having the sight is a very mentally draining gift to have, keeping all those secrets in, knowing what could happen if you slip, is a very lonely feeling and I’d never wish that on you. But we’ll be here for you no matter what, and we’ll always be understanding. I promise,” he swears, peeling her hand off his face and laying a kiss in the middle of her palm.

I wholeheartedly agree with Corentin. Being a seer is not only extremely rare but lonely beyond belief. Only being able to give bits and pieces of information, letting everyone else do what they will with it. And you know whether they made the wrong decision, but there’s nothing you can do about it. It’s a burden and responsibility I don’t want my Primary to face.

“The guys will take care of Lyker when they go to the academy tonight. Let’s go get you some dinner, little wanderer.”

Four

Willow

---