Page 147 of Visions & Shadows

“Calm down,” Raighne snaps at Dylan. “We’re doing this to help you.”

“What the fuck?” Dylan keeps muttering while shaking his head to rid himself of the dizzy spell caused by shifting.

“Now I’ve seen everything,” I hear Doug mutter.

Dylan’s eyes lock on Matt, and he yanks free from Raighne. When he reaches his brother, he pulls him to a standing position and holds him as he glances at the group.

“Who are you people?” Dylan asks, sounding stunned out of his everloving mind.

“I’m Alchera,” I say again, thinking there’s no way he’ll remember my name from when I introduced myself before we shifted.

“That’s Raighne and Finian, and this is my sister, Brenna.” I point to the other humans. “Doug, Sarah, Sky, and Jason. They’re chosen ones, just like you and Matt. This planet is going to be destroyed in a matter of a week, and we’re here to take you to a new Earth called Vaalbara.” When Dylan’s lips part, I hold up my hand. “I know it sounds crazy as hell, but there’s no other way to explain it. I still have to get four other people before we can return to our world, where you’ll start a new life.”

“The fuck?” Dylan mutters, struggling to deal with the shock.

“I think we should all go to our house. It’s not far from here,” Sarah says, sounding weaker than earlier. “I need to take my meds and get some rest.”

“Sarah’s right,” Doug agrees. “We could all use a break where everything can be explained to us.”

I look at Dylan. “Will you come?”

“Do we have a fucking choice?”

“Yes,” Raighne mutters as he walks toward me. “Either you come willingly, or I’ll force you.”

“Not much of a fucking choice,” Dylan growls.

“Dylan,” I say to get his attention. “Please let me save you. Save Matt.”

He lets out a disgruntled sigh but doesn’t argue as he gestures for us to walk.

While Finian takes the lead, Raighne waits for everyone to startmoving before he brings up the rear.

“Thank you for helping,”I tell Raighne mentally.

“That’s what I’m here for.”

“You look angry.”

“I’m fine. Let’s get out of here.”

We all pile into the van, and I worry about how we’re going to get around if we get more chosen ones because it’s already a tight fit.

The moment Raighne sits down beside me, he pulls me onto his lap to make more space for the others. With one arm wrapped tightly around me, he uses his other hand to take hold of my jaw. Nudging my face so I’ll look at him, we lock eyes.

“How are you holding up?”

“I’m just tired.”

I feel his warmth pour into me, and I know he’s searching for any signs that I’m not coping.

“How are you doing?”I ask.

“I’m built for this. Never worry about me.”

“Easier said than done,”I grumble.

He lets out a chuckle as he nudges me to rest my head against his shoulder and presses a kiss on my forehead. More of his warmth fills me, I can’t stop myself from drifting off to sleep.

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