Page 43 of Visions & Shadows

“My talents have grown since we last saw each other,” the woman says. “I used to have blonde hair and amber eyes.”

My gaze darts nervously over the woman, and when she smileswarmly, it helps ease the tension a little.

“Peace be, Alchera. I am your sister, Thana. Brenna, Roark, and I have been waiting for your arrival with great excitement.”

Wow, she looks completely different from what I remember.

I suck in a deep breath before I say, “Hi, Thana…” An awkward-sounding chuckle escapes me. “I’m sorry. It’s a lot to take in all at once.”

I thought I would be happy to see my family, but all I feel is apprehension.

What if they don’t like me?

What if I’m a disappointment to them after being gone for so long?

What if it never feels like home again?

Thana closes the distance between us and when she hugs me, she smells like a warm summer’s day and blossoms in the spring.

I’m so scared I’ll hurt her, so I keep my touch gentle when I return the hug.

Emotions overwhelm me as we hold each other, and I feel tears sting my eyes.

My heart hurts from getting to hold my own blood again. It makes me realize how lonely I’ve been over the past five years.

“Welcome home, my sister,” she says. “May Awo’s blessings be upon you.” Thana pulls back and holds me at arm’s length, taking in my appearance. “You’re more beautiful than I remember and so grown up. It’s such a shame we can’t celebrate your birthday with you next week.”

She looks at me with so much love I can barely breathe, making my tears come hot and fast. She reaches up and wipes some of my tears away, the look on her face gentle.

Her voice is hoarse as she whispers, “I missed you too, Alchera.”

If all my family is like her, then I don’t need to worry, right?

But I have questions, and I’m hoping she’ll answer them.

“Why didn’t they send you away? Why only me?”

“We’re not so much a threat to Adeth as you are. Awo gave you the talents of visions and hope.”

I stare blankly at her. None of what she just said makes any sense to me.

Her honey-golden eyes fill with sorrow, confusing me.

“Unfortunately, only you can perform the task at hand. We each have our destiny to fulfill in the coming days.”

When a breeze picks up and blows some of my hair into my face, I quickly brush it away before asking, “What do you mean?”

“You had to go to Earth to live as a human,” Thana explains. “You had to feel how they felt in order to have compassion for them.”

I sure wasn’t feeling any compassion toward Robert and his friends.

But the Calders. They were good to me.

“You needed to go on this journey so you’ll understand the chosen ones when the time comes to retrieve them.”

Thana moves away, leaving golden streaks of light trailing in her wake.

“Who are these chosen ones I have to retrieve?” I ask, just glad someone’s actually answering my questions.

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