Page 179 of Visions & Shadows

Everything feels weird.

Wrapping my arms around my middle, I ask, “In which direction is the Virtutes Waterfall?”

“Come. I’ll show you,” Brenna says.

As we walk over the hills and planes of wild grass and flowers, we don’t speak.

I take in this new world that will be my home, but I can’t appreciate its beauty right now, not while I know another world is dying.

Chapter 32

Alchera

When we reach the VirtutesWaterfall, I sit down and stare at the rushing water.

“Want to talk about what’s on your mind?” Brenna asks as she takes a seat beside me.

“So many people are dying right now,” I whisper, my tone somber. I focus for a moment, but I can’t feel the heartbeats and nature on Earth anymore. “It’s such a waste of life.”

“Try not to think about it,” Brenna says. She nudges my shoulder with hers. “I’m proud of you. You were pretty badass.”

The corner of my mouth lifts. “Yeah?”

“Yeah, but I’ll still beat you in a fight,” she chuckles.

Everything that’s happened since I laid eyes on Raighne in that classroom flashes through my mind and unable to control my emotions, they spiral.

I suck in a shuddering breath, and when a sob escapes me, Brenna wraps her arm around my shoulders.

“It’s over,” she says. “Try not to think of the past.”

“It’s hard not to,” I whimper.

“Do you need me?”Raighne’s voice fills my mind.

“No, I’m okay.”

“You sure?”

“Yes.”

I suck in another deep breath and push the emotions down while I lean into Brenna’s side.

“I remember the day you were born like it was yesterday,” Brenna murmurs. “Everyone was so happy. Mom and Dad fussed over you day and night.”

I sit up straighter and glance at my sister.

A soft smile plays around her lips as she stares at the beautiful sight of the waterfall. “When you were old enough, I took you horseback riding. You loved going fast and feeling the wind in your hair. Thana would spend hours combing the knots out of your hair while cursing me a blue streak.”

I must’ve been too young because I don’t remember it.

“Thana also taught you how to braid your hair.”

I nibble on the inside of my cheek as I try hard to recall the memories.

“Once, you followed Roark to the training camps without anyone noticing. We spent the whole day searching everywhere for you and found you sitting on a hill, watching as Roark trained to take over as king.”

Roark. God, it feels like a year has passed since his death.

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