Page 50 of Visions & Shadows

She nods, then continues, “Your eyes are emerald, so I think part of your talent must have to do with nature. Brenna’s is onyx, as she is a warrior princess. But if you ask me, they should be ruby red and spitting fire because she has quite the temper.”

Suddenly, she looks guilty for insulting my sister.

“Don’t worry. After running into her earlier, I totally agree,” I say with a chuckle.

Fleur’s smile returns. “Thana’s eyes are golden, like a spessartine stone. Everyone loves her, especially Brenna. They’re very close.”

Great, my sisters are close, and I’ve lost touch with them because I was sent away against my will.

I try to think of something else I can ask Fleur when she gets excited again. She seems to be in her element. “Griffith also has the ability to make himself unseen. Now that’s a talent I wouldn’t mind having.”

“Do you have a talent?” I ask.

She nods. “I can create spells and elixirs. Once the chosen ten have joined us, I’ll study under Aster.”

“Damn, yours sound awesome. Want to swap talents with me?” I joke. “Because mine sucks ass.”

She shakes her head. “Unfortunately, that’s not how talents work.”

“Raighne said I’m starting my training tomorrow,” I mention. “Will you be there?”

“If you want me there.” Fleur stands up and gathers the dirty dishes. “I’m here to help you with whatever you need, Alchera.” She glances at the doorway. “You should get some rest. I’ll see you in the morning for training.”

“Thanks for the food,” I say as I climb to my feet.

“You’re welcome.”

I watch as she leaves before heading to the bedroom. Kicking off my sneakers, I think about all my belongings that I had to leave behind on Earth.

I wish Raighne had given me time to pack a bag.

Opening the cupboard, there’s only a nightgown for pajamas.

Finding clean underwear, I check the tub, and when I open the faucets and water pours in, I let out a relieved sigh.

As soon as the tub is full, I quickly strip out of my dirty clothes and climb in. Lying back, I close my eyes and let the balmy water ease the tension in my muscles.

God, what a day.

I let out another sigh, wondering what’s in store for me.

I never thought I’d miss Steamboat Springs and my boring life there, but damn, what I’d give to return to the sleepy town where nothing exciting happens.

I soak in the tub until the water starts to get cold then quickly wash my body and hair before getting out. After drying myself, I put on clean underwear and the nightgown.

I’m going to have to do something about pajamas because I don’t like nightgowns. I’m a shorts and T-shirt kind of girl.

I brush my teeth, then take a seat on the side of the bed and use the towel to squeeze all the excess water out of my hair.

After brushing all the knots out, I get up and walk through my livingquarters, turning off all the lamps. Stopping by the doorway, I glance outside and see a group of people sitting around a fire.

My eyes land on Raighne, and when I see him smile at another man, there’s a mixture of emotions in my chest. My stomach still flutters at the mere sight of the man, but the crack in my heart because he betrayed me runs deep.

I really fell for his act and thought I finally made a friend I could call my own.

God, I was a dumbass.

A lump forms in my throat, and I wrap my arms around myself.

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