Page 101 of Visions & Shadows

“Open your fucking eyes!”Raighne’s voice thunders in my mind.

Before I can shake my head, the pain becomes so unbearable it sucks me into a world of darkness as I lose consciousness.

Chapter 19

Alchera

When I wake up, Idon’t feel Raighne’s warmth, and for a moment, blinding panic and fear shoot through me.

My eyes pop open, and it takes a second for my vision to focus on my father’s face.

My body feels as if it’s been shredded to pieces, but I don’t reek like death anymore. The aroma of herbs and oils fills the air.

Every wound throbs as if each one has a heartbeat of its very own.

My father glances at my face, and seeing I’m awake, he murmurs, “My precious daughter has woken up. How do you feel?”

Once again, I’m struck by the similarities between us as I try to smile, but the cuts on my cheeks from Adeth’s nails quickly have me stopping.

Letting out a groan, I say, “I’m still trying to catch the license plate of that bus that ran me over.”

“I beg your pardon?” He frowns.

“Sorry, it’s an expression that’s used on Earth. I meant to say, it feels like my body has seen better days.”

I’m not going to tell him how much pain I’m really in.

“It will get better. And you’re safe now.” His eyes caress lovingly over my face that must look like I ran straight into a wall.

“I’m going to have to leave you with Raighne and Aster.”

I clear my throat, then ask, “Where are you going?”

“We’re going to go hunt down Adeth.” Shock from his words ripples through me. “She has to account for what she’s done to you. We can’t risk her attacking you again.”

Shaking my head, I try to sit up and quickly grab hold of the blanket wrapped around me so it won’t fall off.

“No! You can’t,” I protest. “She’s dangerous.”

I have to think of a way to keep him here. I don’t want my dad anywhere near Adeth.

“You don’t even know where she is. Please,don’t go!” I’m talking as fast as I can, but when he stands up and starts to carry me over to the bed, I panic. “I’ll go with you!”

I know I’ll just be in the way, but how am I supposed to let him go? I just got him back!

“You need to rest in order to heal, my sweet girl. She could’ve killed you. I won’t risk your life again.” He takes my face gently in his two large hands and looks lovingly at me. “You are the strongest soul I know. I’m so very proud of you. I love you deeply, my daughter. I have been and will always be with you.” He kisses me on the forehead and turns to leave.

“No! You can’t leave,” I call after him. “Please, don’t go. I just got you back.”

I feel the sobs building in my throat as I almost fall off the bed to go after him. Pain tears through every muscle, and my body fights me with every step I try to take. I sink to my knees and have to drag myself to the door.

My eyes are nailed to my dad’s back as he walks with the pride of a King toward his horse, where a group of men are already waiting.

“Daddy, no!” I cry, my voice hoarse and raw.

Using the door, I drag myself up so I can see him better.

He mounts his horse and gives me one last warm smile before he nods at the men behind him. In horror, I watch my dad leave me.

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