Page 42 of Winterfall Destiny

"He and Andrei are accompanying me to visit some old acquaintances," the creature says casually.

"We need everybody to stick together," protests Jamie.

"You just said you're not taking him," I say in panic.

"Don't worry. I'll deposit them at your little battle HQ before sunrise." The First waves a hand. "That's why I had to catch you before you leave."

"What acquaintances?" asks Tobias. "Are you wanting us to kill someone or planning to kill us?"

The First's eyes roll, the creature so deceptively human. "I just told you I'm bringing you back to your friends afterwards. Don't I always keep my word?"

I swallow down a scoff.

"I'm coming," I say stiffly and move to hold Andrei's hand, and what was once a tingle when we touched becomes a surge of his new energy that jolts my heart.

"You are not," the First says simply. "This matter does not concern witches."

"And if I don't want to go?" Andrei asks.

The First's laughter bounces around before she leans into Andrei's face, almost nose to nose. "You may be part of me, Andrei Tepes, but you are not equal in any way. Do as you're told."

I bristle as Andrei's fingers tighten further around mine.

"We've no choice, Andrei," says Tobias wearily.

"See, that's what I like. Sensible boys."

Boys.

But I suppose they are to this ancient whatever the hell it is.

"Jamie—you can drive to London," says Tobias. "Wait for us at the house."

I edge around Andrei and face him, taking both his hands. "This could be a trap."

His concerned eyes meet mine. "Yes, but the First could also kill us all for refusing its demands. We know that."

"I could," says the eavesdropping creature. "Bear that in mind."

"You could help us," says Jamie. "In fact, you could kill Gabriella yourself. Why won't you?"

"True," replies the First. "But again, I'm not interfering in the future. And isn't everything so much more fun this way?"

My heart suddenly beats harder, away from the rhythm I recently share with Andrei and it.

What does the First mean about ensuring the future plays out as planned? My ability to see our future stopped the moment the First re-entered the world. Am I right that the creature is blocking me, and my recent failure isn't caused by my changing events at the academy?

Maybe the Blackwood magic and my upending the future isn't what's causing the visions to fail.

The First is the reason.

I've given up too easily, switching focus to the mind-control and the fight against the shadows. I recently saw Astrid in a short vision that I hope comes true, so I am still capable of the magic.

"Come along now," says the First sweetly and beckons at Andrei and Tobias. "It would be preferable if you came willingly."

I fight chasing after the three as they leave the kitchen, body surging with fear for their lives. Nate warned what will happen to me if I continue to change the future, and I've seen Aunt Marie's bad mental state as an example. But the First is adamant that we follow along the path it can see. Where does that path end because I need to know whether we should walk a different one?

I'll find the future the First envisions and change what's necessary to keep everybody safe, whatever the consequences.

---