Page 182 of Visions & Shadows

I sit down on the side of the bed, and covering my face with my hands, I let out a shuddering sigh.

Even though I used to live here until my sixteenth birthday, it doesn’t feel like home.

I climb to my feet and hurry out of the room, heading down thecorridor toward the side door. With every step I take, my emotions spiral into a chaotic mess.

“Raighne. I need you.”

“On my way,”he instantly replies.

I run up the narrow cobblestone path in the direction of the forest as if Adeth herself is behind me. The shadows close in on me, chilling my skin until I can’t feel the heat from the sun any longer.

“Raighne!”I scream, desperation coating the word.

Suddenly, strong arms wrap around me, and I’m lifted off my feet as Raighne catches me. I’m hauled against his chest, his warmth engulfing my entire being.

“I’ve got you. I’m here,” he says as he lifts me bridal style.

I wrap my arms around him and bury my face in the crook of his neck.

Not strong enough to face my past and my uncertain future, nor the shadows Adeth left behind in my mind, I focus only on Raighne’s warmth as he carries me away from the village.

Only when I hear the rushing of water do I lift my head to glance around us. Seeing he brought me back to the Virtutes Waterfall, I let out a sigh of relief.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper when he sets me down on my feet.

“For what?” His eyes drift over my face.

“Losing my shit,” I mutter as I glance at the inviting pool of water.

“You’ve been through a hell of a lot, Alchera. I think you’re entitled to lose your shit.”

My eyes jump back to his face, and I tug my bottom lip between my teeth before admitting, “It didn’t feel like home.”

Raighne lifts a hand to the side of my neck and brushes his thumb over my skin. “That’s because it’s not.” A frown forms on my forehead, which has him saying, “I’m your home. Your place is with me.”

“My mother didn’t seem to think so,” I mention.

“Let me handle it.” He pulls me to his chest and holds me tightly, making me sigh with relief.

Everything settles inside me, and I soak up his strength like a dry sponge while listening to the rushing of the waterfall and chirping birds inthe trees.

After a long while, Raighne pulls back then asks, “Want to see your new home?”

“Your house?” I ask as I glance in the direction of the village.

“Our house,” he corrects me.

When he starts to walk, I fall in beside him. “Are you sure about having me stay with you?”

He lets out a snort and gives me a don’t-ask-me-a-stupid-question look.

“Just checking,” I mutter.

“I have to warn you, the place isn’t big. It’s a simple three-bedroom,” he mentions, looking a little nervous.

I take hold of his hand and weave our fingers together, then say, “I don’t care.” My eyes meet his. “As long as I’m with you, nothing else matters.”

The nervousness fades from his face, and we walk in silence for a while before I admit, “It’s weird. It’s only been four or five months since you came to get me, yet it feels like years have passed.”

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