Page 171 of Icy Cold Death

“Focus on the voice for me,” he whispered to Ridge, and the man tuned the static to allow him to do that.

That’s when he heard more.

Protect the woman at all costs. She is a key to something in the future. Protect her at all costs. She is needed and valuable.

Ridge heard it.

To him, it was a booming voice that shook the static all around them.

“Who?” Lucian whispered.

She is the beginning.

Genesis.

It startled them both.

Not because they found something about the woman since that had been the intent, but because of the voice coming into focus.

He knew it.

Oh, he knew it well.

ORACLE? he whispered.

It was rare she went into the static. When she retired, she really meant retirement. It was difficult to get her to show up there.

As his partner focused, the voice got clearer and clearer for him, and the static got more difficult to navigate.

Lucian, keep her safe. I’ll explain later. I need you to heed what I’m saying. Take her back to Salem with you, and say nothing. No one can know. It will alter fate. Let her meet the man she’s meant to meet, and it will reveal itself.

Lucian had nothing but the utmost respect for Oracle. He loved her like a sister, but he hated playing these games. They were in Oracle’s time.

Not theirs.

Are you well? he asked.

It had been a while since he’d heard her in the static. It had been a damn long time, in fact. Avalon stayed hidden since she was wanted.

Well, wanted by the government to be a weapon.

I’m good. I’m just doing what needs to be done. Protect her, and I’ll explain later. I love you, Lucian. I miss you. We all do.

Ridge held the connection open.

It wasn’t easy.

The voice was so strong. He could feel his nose dripping blood as the energy bombarded him. He was like a shield for Lucian, protecting him and tuning so he could hear.

He was not going to hold up much longer.

Never had he channeled anyone this strong.

This voice…

It was powerful.

She is hunted. I am keeping her safe. The block you feel is me. Her family was the secret. I can’t tell you more. Just guard her for me. I’ll be coming for her.

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