Page 183 of Visions & Shadows

“A lot has happened,” he replies before gesturing at a house situated next to a huge, very old looking tree. “That’s home.”

There’s a knee-high wall around the yard that someone has been tending to since there are flowers and it’s not overgrown with weeds.

Feeling nervous, I wipe my palms on my hips while my eyes dart over Raighne’s home.

There’s no key, and he just pushes the front door open.

“You didn’t lock up while you were away?” I ask, my tone filled with surprise.

“We don’t have to lock our doors on Vaalbara. Crime isn’t a problem here,” he replies as he waits for me to step inside.

“Right,” I whisper as I enter.

I glance around the living room, which has chairs like the ones that were in my tent. There’s a coffee table with fresh flowers in a vase.

“Someone expected you home,” I mention as I move closer to the kitchen, where an oven stands near a back door. There’s also a big oak table with six chairs that have patterns carved into them.

“We take care of each other's homes while someone’s away,” Raighne explains.

“It’s nice that you’re all neighborly,” I whisper as I peek into a bedroom where a large bed fills half the space.

“This is your home now, Alchera. Don’t feel uncomfortable.”

My eyes dart to his face, and seeing the love he has for me shining in his gaze, I relax a little.

“Everything’s just new,” I explain.

He takes a deep breath then says, “I’m going to give you some alone time and head up to the palace to tell your mother you’re with me so she won’t worry.”

I nod. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”

When Raighne leaves, I take a seat on one of the chairs and stare at a painting of a forest that’s up on the wall.

Knowing I’m in Raighne’s house, I start to relax, and I pull my legs under me as I curl into the seat.

My thoughts don’t return to the past, but instead, I begin to wonder about a future with Raighne. Now that my destiny has been fulfilled, do I dare dream of living a peaceful life with him?

Will the chosen ones be able to adapt to their new lives?

Will I?

Only time will tell.

Just as I start to dose off, I feel the air warm around me while the wind rips at my clothes.

“I always thought she was the most beautiful sister until I saw you.”

I follow Ares’ gaze to where he’s looking up at Thana.

She’s hovering high in the sky, her arms lifted toward the heavens above that are churning with eery-looking clouds. They paint the sky in so many different colors I can’t begin to describe them all. But it feels deadly.

My lips part with shock as I watch an asteroid begin to enter the atmosphere. It turns the clouds into a blazing inferno, looking like a storm from hell is about to be unleashed on us.

“We need to get out of here,” Ares says, his tone strained, then I hear Thana’s voice sounding drained of all life, “You have to get them to safety, Alchera. I can’thold out much longer.”

I quickly glance around me and see a house in the distance. The sound of a baby crying is carried to me in the wind.

“Save them,”Thana sobs.

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