Page 36 of Premonition of Peace

The arguments bounced back and forth, the four versions of me usually in sync now on completely opposing sides. I stood at the head of the table, too agitated to sit. The debate mirrored the internal conflict tearing at me—a tug-of-war between options and risks, each one carrying potentially devastating consequences.

As the voices rose in intensity, Bad Nat sauntered in, her presence commanding attention. She crossed her arms over her chest, a smirk playing on her lips as she surveyed the discord. Finally, she turned to me, her eyes gleaming with a rare clarity.

“You already know what to do,” she said, gesturing to the others. “Having us discuss it is wasting time we don’t have, and you know it. Do what you need to, Prime.”

For once, I found myself agreeing with her, without question. Deep down, I knew what had to be done. The risks were immense, but so were the stakes. If we didn’t act, The Morrigan would continue her reign of terror, moving from one host to the next, leaving destruction in her wake. I had to protect everyone, even if it meant putting myself in danger.

“I am using the Eye,” I said, my voice firm and unwavering. “The decision has been made.”

The room fell silent, the weight of my words settling over us like a heavy fog. The Warden nodded, her expression approving. Analytical Nat looked relieved, while Peace and Caretaker exchanged worried glances. But even they knew there was no other choice. The Eye was our only hope.

As I left the memory loci, my resolve hardened. I didn’twantto do this. In fact, I hated the entire idea, and I wished anybody but me could be responsible for this particular solution. But this was caused by my family, my ancestor, and because of the pull of my magic. I had to be the one to do this. I had to be the one to act, to take control of this situation before it consumed us all.

Between leaving the parking lot and driving back to my apartment, I felt eerily calm, a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside the loci. New Chicago was cold and dreary, not unusual for a November day, and it reflected the emotion within me. My mind buzzed with plans and contingencies, each scenario more terrifying than the last. The Eye was as powerful as it was dangerous. The potential for backlash, for unintended consequences, loomed large in my mind.

But there was no turning back now.

When I pulled in front of my apartment, I didn’t bother wasting time. I also didn’t want to give myself the chance to backout or overthink it. I darted out of my car and jogged up to the building. My whole body felt like it was buzzing with nervous energy, but it was now or never.

I guessed Señora was of the same mindset because the moment I stormed into the shop, calling her name, she came out with a knowing look on her face. Hopping out of the way of one of her cats, I opened my mouth to talk, but she beat me to it.

“You’ve made your choice, haven’t you?” It wasn’t a question so much as a statement of fact, and I knew at that moment she must have seen me coming already.

Still, I nodded, feeling a mix of determination and anxiety swirling in my chest.

“Yes, I am sure,” I replied, my voice steadier than I felt. “I am ready for the Eye.”

For a moment, she simply stared at me, her expression inscrutable. Then, she sighed, her shoulders sagging slightly.

“You understand what you’re asking for, right? This cannot be undone, Nathalie. The Eye will change you in ways you cannot foresee.”

“I know,” I said, meeting her gaze, “but I need its power to stop The Morrigan.”

“The Eye will not do the work of defeating that witch for you,” she warned, her voice harsh.

“I know, but with the Eye, I can manipulate the objects of fate, right?”

The objects of fate were largely unheard of, but I needed them—the spindle that creates the threads, the loom that forms bonds, and the shears that can cut those threads and break bonds. Those would do what I needed to ensure that The Morrigan couldn’t get her hands on me. It was the only way.

Señora Rosara studied me instead of answering, her eyes searching mine. “And you’re prepared for the consequences? The Eye is not just a tool; it’s a living entity with its own will anddesires. It will change how you see the world; how you interact with it.”

“I’m prepared,” I said, though the knot of fear in my stomach tightened. I knew there were many unknowns that could result from taking an ancient artifact into myself, and there was no way for us to predict the outcome. But what choice did I have? The Morrigan was too powerful to confront with ordinary means. “I have to do this. For everyone.”

Señora sighed again, a weary sound. “Very well. But I will need time to gather the necessary supplies.”

“What supplies?” I asked, a flicker of impatience creeping into my voice. I hated to be rude, but the longer we waited, the more time it gave The Morrigan to strengthen her hold on Sasha—or worse, kill her and move on to Kat.

Señora chuckled softly, shaking her head. “You’re asking me to remove and replace your literal eye, Nathalie. It’s not a simple process. I have surgical tools, and herbs for healing and protection. But I will need anesthesia. This isn’t something I can do on a whim.”

I swallowed hard, my mouth suddenly dry. The reality of what I was asking for hit me with full force. This wasn’t just a magical ritual; it was a major surgery. I would do it regardless. I knew I had to for everyone’s sake.

“We may not have that much time,” I said, the urgency in my voice unmistakable. “How long will it take to get what you need?”

Señora regarded me for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then, she nodded, her demeanor shifting from casual to serious. “I have some herbs that will knock you out. It’s not as precise as anesthesia . . . I assume you understand what that means?”

I swallowed thickly and nodded.

“Go and prepare yourself, then. I will get everything ready.”

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