Page 69 of Visions & Shadows

Another heavy sigh escapes me, and then I see River and Fleur smiling lovingly at each other.

My eyes flick back to Alchera, who’s sparing with Storm while Roark gives them instructions.

Storm gets Alchera in a chokehold, and when her body strains against his, I don’t think and just react. Within seconds, I use my talent to rip Alchera away from Storm, a threatening growl rumbling from my chest.

When Alchera slams into my chest, Storm’s features are tense as he glances around us.

“What’s wrong?” Roark asks, also checking the area for any sign of danger as River moves closer to him.

Everyone’s on guard from my irrational behavior.

Fuck. I screwed up.

I let go of Alchera, who’s staring at me with wide eyes and parted lips.

Not knowing how to explain myself, I shake my head and mutter, “My mistake.”

Walking away, anger pours into my chest, and only when I’m out of hearing distance from the others do I snap at myself, “What the hell was that?”

I suck in a deep breath, and feeling the intense jealousy burning in my veins, I shake my head.

I have to get my shit together where Alchera’s concerned.

But it’s hard caring about her and keeping romantic feelings out of the picture.

Especially when she’s taking everything so well and getting stronger by the day. Instead of hating us for what we did to her, she’s moved on and tried her best to meet every high standard that’s been thrown her way.

It’s earned my respect and that of everyone else.

I turn around and watch as she gets back to training.

And by Awo, she’s so fucking beautiful.

With her body becoming more toned, it’s hard not to notice her curves. I’m actually relieved she refuses to wear skirts and insists on long pants.

With my heart pounding in my chest and my emotions for Alchera growing by the second, it’s hard to shove it all to the back of my mind so I can focus on my job as her guardian.

Alchera

Things have been both good and weird.

Good, because training has been going really well, and I’ve grown closer to Roark. It’s incredible having an older brother, and I’ve loved getting to know him better.

My friendship with Fleur has deepened, and for the first time in my life, I have a friend I can gossip with. Spending time with her is always fun, and I’ve had a front-row seat to her and River falling in love.

A smile curves my lips when I think of their blossoming relationship,but then my thoughts turn to Raighne, and my heart clenches painfully.

With every passing day, he’s putting more distance between us. He’s downright grumpy most of the time, and it’s starting to get to me.

I have no idea what I’ve done to upset him.

Lost in my thoughts, I stare at the bag on my bed.

“You’re not done packing?” Raighne’s voice rumbles behind me. “Everyone already left for the desert.”

“I’m packing,” I mutter as I shove a pair of pants into the bag.

“You have ten minutes,” he orders. “Bring only the essentials.”

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