Page 162 of Visions & Shadows

I quickly shake my head. “Don’t apologize.”

“Is everyone ready?” Griffith asks.

“Sarah needs to take her medicine,” Doug says, and then he heads to the kitchen, followed by Jason and Sarah.

“Everyone has five minutes before we leave,” Griffith announces.

I walk over to Sky to get away from Griffith’s gaze that’s constantly examining me. Never mind the fact that I’m trying to ignore Ares. I might understand him a little better, but I’m far from ready to be friends withhim.

“How are you doing?” I ask Sky, who’s standing with Dylan and Matt.

“I’m okay. Matt’s been very supportive since we met,” she smiles timidly and glances at Matt.

“Oh, he has?” I grin at them, then ask, “How did you know I was coming for you before I did?”

“I kind of have psychic abilities. Sometimes, I have dreams about the future. I read tarot cards as a part-time job, but my true love is learning everything about different cultures.”

“That sounds cool,” I say, giving her a friendly smile.

“Can you shimmer twelve of us at once?” I hear Raighne ask Ares in a harsh tone, drawing my attention to them.

Ares nods, and glaring back at Raighne, he answers in the same brisk tone, “It will be tiring, but I can do it.” He lifts his chin an inch as if he’s accepting a challenge.

My eyes dart from Raighne to Ares as Griffith mutters, “Everyone is ready.”

“Form a circle,” Ares orders as his eyes flick over the group.

I take Raighne’s hand, and when Ares moves closer to me, I inch right against Raighne’s side.

Ares’ eyes lock with mine, then he says, “I need to touch you to see where we’re going.”

Shit.

I swallow hard, and a cold sweat breaks out over my body.

“Touch her and die,” Raighne growls.

Ares gives Raighne an impatient look. “How do you expect me to see where we’re going?”

“I’ll show you,” Raighne replies, a threatening wave of anger coming off him.

“Fine.” Ares moves to stand next to Raighne, and giving him a derisive look, he takes hold of Raighne’s wrist. “Show me where to go, Alchera.”

I suck in a deep breath then bring up the area I saw in my vision.

“Got it,” Raighne murmurs to me.

“Everyone take hands and don’t let go of the person next to you. If you break the link, you’ll break my concentration,” Ares instructs.

I take hold of Sky’s hand and wait for Ares to shimmer us to Italy.

God, I hope this works.

I try to brace for the sickening sensations I felt the first time Ares shimmered me to the shack, but instead, a cool breeze rustles through me right before the living room starts to blur.

Chapter 29

Alchera

---