Page 42 of Visions & Shadows

Once again, I realize I’ve lost the only friend I’ve ever had, and it breaks my heart.

I really cared about him.

My voice is hoarse when I say, “I don’t care about bonds and destinies, and my anger won’t just pass. My feelings don’t come with a switch you can flip off when you feel like it.” I step away from him, my whole body trembling. “You took my trust, and you threw it back in my face. So no,Ryan, or Raighne, or whatever the hell your name is, I don’t accept the bond. I don’t trust you and don’t want you as my guardian.”

“With time, you’ll accept me,” he says as if it’s an inevitable fact I have no choice in.

Maybe it is. But right now, I’m too heartbroken and angry to care.

Lifting my hand, I rub my tired eyes. “Do you know how it feels to have your world ripped out from under you? I don’t know what’s real anymore.” I choke on a sob as my feelings overwhelm me, and I quickly wipe the tears away, feeling embarrassed for crying in front of him.

I’m stronger than this.

“All will be well.” He doesn’t give me a chance to pull away as his arms wrap around me, hugging me tightly to his chest. I feel his warmth spreading through me, and I hate that I find it soothing.

As much as I want to deny it, his touch makes me feel better, and I can’t fight it as my body relaxes against his.

With one hand, he gently caresses my back while his other arm stays firmly around my waist.

All I can do is close my eyes, rest my very confused head against his chest, and breathe in his familiar scent.

“You’re not alone in this, Alchera. I’m here for you. I’ll help you through the training. I’ll be right by your side every step of the way, no matter what happens.” He pulls back and frames my face with his hands. With his thumbs, he wipes away my tears. “Our bond is the most important thing to me, Alchera. I live for you, and I’ll die with you, but I will never leave you.”

God, then he goes and says something like that. How’s a girl supposed to stick to her guns and stay angry?

Even though I just want him to hold me, I step backward and glance around the room so I don’t have to look at him.

“I need time. This is all too much for me to deal with.”

“Okay.”

Feeling exhausted, I ask, “What happens now?”

“Your sister is outside. She’d like to see you.”

My sister.

Chapter 8

Alchera

When I follow Raighne outof the infirmarius, the sun is so bright I have to squint my eyes until they adjust.

I notice we’re in a camp of some sort, then my eyes land on a woman who doesn’t look much older than Raighne. I don’t immediately recognize her.

A glow hugs her petite frame, and she’s the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen. Staring at her golden hair and eyes, I’m at a loss for words.

She moves with such grace she seems to be gliding. Lights flicker over her skin, like fireflies dancing around her with every step she takes.

“I’ll give you some privacy,” Raighne says, but when he turns to walk away, my hand shoots out and I grab his forearm.

Even though I’ve missed my family, it’s clear a lot has changed since I was last here.

Right now Raighne feels most familiar after I spent the past two weeks with him.

Even though I’m angry, I whisper, “Stay.”

Raighne nods and takes a step closer to me.

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