Page 111 of Visions & Shadows

One of the men shakes his head, his face ashen in color. “Adeth ambushed us in the forest. It’s the King.”

Brenna and I dart forward, but she’s the first to ask, “What about the King?”

The man shakes his head again. “Griffith is bringing him. We…we…”

No!

I swing around, and breaking out into a run, I head for the forest.

“Alchera!” Raighne shouts behind me.

My body protests, and I don’t even make it to the line of trees when I’m yanked backward. A cry is ripped from me as I fly through the air, my ribs aching something fierce from the force Raighne’s using to draw me back to him.

I want my dad. I need my dad.

When I slam into Raighne’s chest, and his arms lock around me, air explodes from my lungs, my ribs aching horribly.

Before I can let Raighne have it, movement by the trees catches my attention, and I notice Janak first.

Then Griffith appears, looking like he lost a fight against a bear.

When I see my father’s body hanging limply over the back of a horse, my chest implodes with unbearable heartache.

“Nooooo!” I scream, the air trembling around me from the excruciating emotions ripping me to shreds.

“Father!” Brenna cries, and Finian moves fast to restrain her.

Griffith looks like death as he carries our father to us, and when he lays him gently on the ground, he kneels by his fallen charge.

“He severed our bond,” Griffith groans. “He severed our bond right before she killed him to spare my life.”

“NoNoNo!” I cry as I fight against Raighne’s hold.

“Let go of me!”

His arms only tighten even more around me.

“Please. I need to be with my father,”I sob.

Raighne lets go, and I dart forward, falling to my knees next to my dad. Brenna sinks down beside me, and we stare at our father’s lifeless face. His chest is charred black as if something has burned right through him.

“I’m so sorry,” I whimper. “I let you die. This is all my fault.” I scoot closer and lift his head onto my lap while Brenna grabs hold of his hand.

“Awo. Why did this happen?” she groans.

Because I asked Awo the wrong question.

I begin to rock my father as agonizing pain flays my soul, and I whimper, “I’ve failed you… all for a bunch of strangers.”

My throat strains painfully as I caress his hair.

“I had no time with you,” I sob.

Brenna moves closer to me and wraps her arm around my shoulders as Raighne’s warmth moves through me.

“It’s my fault,” I tell her, my voice hoarse.

She shakes her head, sobbing, “No, it’s not.”

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