Page 110 of Visions & Shadows

No. That can’t be.

Just as I suck in a shaky breath, still trying to process what just happened, Thana comes rushing into the room with Brenna right behind her. Finian and a man who looks a lot like him also join us.

I assume he’s Finian’s twin and Thana’s guardian, and my assumption is proven right because he moves in behind Thana and places his hand on her shoulder.

“How are you feeling?” Thana asks, her features drawn tight with worry.

“Fine,” I say to avoid answering the truth because I don’t think I’ll ever feel fine again.

Thana glances at all of us, then announces, “I’ve been called to leave so I can fulfill my destiny.”

Brenna sucks in a trembling breath, and her eyes start to shine with unshed tears.

Confused by her strong reaction, my gaze darts back to Thana. “What does that mean?”

Too much is happening too soon.

“It’s my destiny to destroy Earth,” she says.

I stare at Thana, my heart clenching because she has to kill billions of people.

“Isn’t there another way?” I ask. “Maybe if we warn the humans, they will change their ways.”

Thana shakes her head. “I’ve given them many warnings, Alchera.” She lifts her chin as she looks at me. “They’ve had thousands of years, but all they’ve done is destroy the Earth given to them. Instead of caring forthe animals, they’ve slaughtered them to the point of extinction. Their greed and selfishness are all that matters to them.” Her tone grows harsh as she continues, “Forests are gone. Wetlands are destroyed. The oceans are polluted, and the sea creatures butchered.” She sucks in a deep breath and shakes her head. “Countries are at war while others look the other way. That’s what the world has come to – pure selfishness and hatred. This is for the best. Things cannot keep spiraling out of control.”

As hard as it is for me to accept, I have to admit everything she’s said is the truth. I can’t worry about billions. I need to focus on my chosen ten.

Lifting my chin, I say, “I want to know what I’ll be up against while I’m on Earth gathering my chosen ones.”

“There will be great disasters, ripping the world apart. Please tell me you’ve had a vision?” She asks as she takes hold of my hand.

“Yes. I saw my first chosen one. He–”

Thana tightens her grip on my hand. “No, don’t tell me. Just retrieve the chosen ones and bring them back. You have to gather all ten before you’re allowed to return to Vaalbara. Not a moment before.” Her voice is filled with sudden urgency.

Before I can ask anything else, her guardian walks toward us, and he removes her hand from mine. I watch as they leave the room then glance at Raighne as the bitter reality of what’s to come sinks in like a heavy stone.

“I’m scared.”

He closes the distance between us, and wrapping his arm around my shoulders, he hugs me to his side.

“We’ll face everything together. You’re not alone.”

“So, when do we leave?” Brenna asks.

“At first daylight,” Raighne answers. “We have to remember to get elixirs from Aster so we’ll blend in on Earth.”

“I’ll take care of it,” Brenna offers, all her aggression nowhere to be seen.

Suddenly, we hear a commotion outside, and we quickly walk out of my living quarters to see what’s going on.

Raighne’s hand finds mine, and he links our fingers as we movecloser to where a group is gathering around two men who are climbing off their horses.

Only then do I see the two bodies draped over another horse.

God.

“What’s going on?” Finian calls out.

---