Page 108 of Visions & Shadows

She lets out a sigh of relief and seems to settle into a deeper sleep.

Alchera

A feeling of love and peace wraps around me, and I hear someone call out, “Hello, Jason. Hello, Jason.”

Looking around, I find myself in the middle of a kitchen. Jason’s standing in front of me, facing a large cage. The door is open, and hanging upside down from the open doorway is a beautiful red-tailed, grayish bird.

It’s letting Jason lovingly ruffle its feathers.

“Pappa, Pappa.” A voice calls again.

I search through the kitchen until I notice another bird, looking exactly like the one hanging in the cage, its feet slapping on the tiles as it eagerly tries to get to Jason.

I watch with wonder as the bird climbs up Jason’s pant leg.

“Hey, my boy. You want some love as well?” Jason coos as he scratches the bird’s head. “You’re a jealous one, aren’t you?”

He loves them as if they’re his children.

Tears well in my eyes because I’ve never encountered a man who loves animals so much. I’ve never seen birds display such emotion, nestling their heads against his, closing their eyes, and clearly showing how much they love him in return.

I wake up with a start, the vision still fresh in my mind.

I have to get to Jason.

A moment later, I become aware that I’m clinging to someone’s hand, and my eyes dart to the side of the bed.

Seeing Raighne sitting in an armchair, I relax and let out a sigh before asking, “Did you sleep here last night?”

Staring at me, he just nods.

Great. He’s probably still angry with me.

“What did you see?” he asks calmly.

Pulling my hand from his, I carefully sit up. My body doesn’t ache as badly as yesterday, but my broken ribs and the cut on my leg are super tender. Whatever Aster gave me for the pain must still be working, for which I’m grateful as hell.

I clear my throat and rub a hand over my face. “I saw a chosen one.”

“What stood out about him?” Raighne asks.

“Never in all of my life have I felt so much love before.” I let out a resentful chuckle. “He gives his animals more love than I’ve ever had.”

When Raighne frowns at me, I add, “I mean, the love Jason feels for those birds is so humbling. And the birds love him back.”

“He’ll probably be the one to take care of the animals.” Raighne climbs to his feet. “We’ll leave as soon as you’re strong enough. I’ll get everything ready.”

“There’s just one problem.” I pause, not knowing how to word this right.

“What?”

“Jason isn’t going to leave willingly. I saw into his soul, and he won’t leave his animals behind. Not when they’re going to die while he lives.”

I look at Raighne in desperation.

“He’ll have to come, Alchera. Even if we have to take him by force.”

My jaw drops, and shaking my head, I ask, “How can you say that?” I throw my legs over the side of the bed and climb to my feet. “I won’t allow any of these humans to suffer the heartache I have. You’re not just going to throw them through a damn waterfall. Besides, we’re bringing animals anyway. Why not bring over his as well?”

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