Page 46 of Visions & Shadows

Uhm…come again?

When she stops in front of me and crosses her arms over her chest, Iget a full display of her cleavage.

Damn, it must take some powerful magic for the tiny leather top to stay on.

“Brenna,” Raighne mutters. “Watch yourself. You, of all people, know Alchera had no say in any of this.”

Brenna?

My eyes widen, and I stare at her. Last I saw Brenna, she was as skinny as me and wouldn’t hurt a fly, whereas the woman in front of me is nothing short of a warrior.

She takes a step closer to Raighne, lifting her chin as if she’s challenging him.

My eyes jump wildly between them.

“Guardian, you better watch your tongue, or I will sever it from your mouth,” she threatens him.

From out of nowhere, I’m hit with one hell of a protective feeling toward Raighne, and before I can stop myself, I step between them.

With a look of warning, I say, “Back off.”

Her eyes flick over my face before she lets out a burst of laughter. “Would you look at that? Seems you grew a spine on Earth, little sister.” She looks me up and down as if I’m nothing but a piece of shit. “Sadly, I don’t think it will keep you alive for long.”

Jesus, what did I do to her to make her act so hostile?

“Enough!” Raighne’s voice thunders over us, making me flinch.

He tugs me back to his side, and stepping forward, he levels Brenna with a glare that has fear slithering into my chest.

Raighne squares his shoulders and clenches his jaw, and I can see how much it’s taking for him to stay calm.

“Alchera is my charge, and I have custody over her, which makes me more than amereguardian.”

His tone carries more authority than I’ve ever heard him speak with, and it makes me feel a little scared of him.

Another man comes up behind Brenna and places his hand on her shoulder. Her head whips around, and I almost think she’s going to attack him, but then she immediately calms down at the sight of him.

“Brenna, this is a time to be happy,” he whispers to her.

She frowns and shakes her head. It looks like she wants to go against him.

He slips his arm around her waist and gives me a warm smile. “Peace be, Alchera. Welcome home.” His eyes flick to Raighne, and he nods. “Brother. It’s good to see you again.”

Raighne’s fingers tighten around mine. “Finian,” he mutters. “Control your charge.”

Finian is his brother and Brenna’s guardian?

I’m surprised when Finian nods and Brenna actually allows him to pull her away. I watch as they whisper to each other.

“What the hell just happened?” I mutter, stunned by the altercation.

“Brenna will come around. She just needs time to adjust,” Raighne says as if all that didn’t just go down.

“She’s been here all along.” I let out a bitter chuckle. “Adjust to what?”

My sister obviously has some serious issues with me, and it makes hurt blossom in my chest.

This wasn’t the family reunion I wanted.

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