Page 114 of Visions & Shadows

I don’t take in any of the lush green shrubs and beautiful sights around me and only focus as I dart over the uneven terrain.

My chest begins to ache something fierce, but I ignore the pain and push my body harder.

It takes way too long, and only when the sun is starting to set do I break through the trees.

When I reach the pool, a cool breeze feels good on my clammy skin and my breaths are wheezing over my parted lips.

Remembering the pool isn’t as deep as it looks, I step into the cool water.

As I approach the curtain, I see movement up on a ledge, and shock shudders through me as a guard steps out from behind the waterfall.

Shit.

“Peace be, Princess Alchera,” he says. He bows slightly but still keepshis eyes on me.

Dammit! This is the last thing I need.

“Peace be,” I mutter, glancing around me for any sign of trouble. “I need to go back to Earth, and I’d appreciate your assistance in doing so.”

An older guard joins the younger one and asks, “Peace be, Princess. Should you not be at your father’s funeral?”

My eyes dart back to them, and I shove away the stab of grief in my chest.

There’s no time to mourn.

“I was there,” I answer. “I’ve paid my respects. Now, if you’re finished questioning me, I’d like to pass through. I’d appreciate your help.” There’s tension in my voice, as clear as a freaking bell.

“Why do you need to shift to Earth, and where’s your guardian?” the older man asks.

“My business is my own, and I’m in a hurry,” I snap, anger tightening my tone.

The younger guard bows his head and heads back to his spot behind the curtain of rushing water.

“If it’s your wish.” The older guard turns and indicates for me to step through the curtain. “You’ll need to clear your mind of everything but your destination. If you think of anything else, things could go terribly wrong. Please ensure you focus solely on your destination before you pass into the fall’s curtain.” He starts to move back behind the waterfall. “May Awo guide you on your travels.”

“That’s all I have to do?” I check with him.

“Yes,” he nods, then goes back to his place on the ledge.

I wade through the water, and when I’m standing right in front of the curtain, droplets of water pelting me, I concentrate on clearing my mind.

My breathing slows, and I feel myself relaxing. I picture Fish Creek Falls in my mind’s eye, but as I take the step into the curtain, a vision robs me of my ability to think.

I see Jason kneeling by a pond. He’s crying, tears running down his cheeks. He punches at the water while shouting.

I feel his pain rip through me.

And then… I see nothing.

There’s darkness all around me, and my stomach lurches. I try to suck in a breath of air but only manage to inhale water. It burns into my lungs, suffocating me.

I panic, and my arms flail to the side. I hit something rough, coated with a layer of slime. Pushing myself away from it, I immediately bob to the surface, and I cough before desperately gasping for air.

Jesus, the water tastes like shit.

I cough again and spit the disgusting taste from my mouth while I glance around me.

Where the hell am I?

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