Page 84 of Visions & Shadows

“If you have a guardian, you’ll be separated so you can focus on your telepathic bonds.”

A whole day out in the hot sun. Just great.

“Get some water. You have five minutes before you move out.”

I glance around and see Raighne jogging toward me with a flask in his hand. He gives it to me, then says, “I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

“Mentally,” I mutter. “What if something happens and you can’t get to me in time?”

“The others in your group can protect you.”

“Come closer,” Roark orders.

My eyes dart back to Raighne’s. “I guess I’ll see you later.”

Lifting his hand, he wraps his fingers around the back of my neck, and I’m stunned when he presses a kiss to my forehead.

He doesn’t say anything as he lets go of me, and with a sigh, I join the others.

“You’ll take full responsibility for each other.” Roark gives us a serious look. “May Awo guide you and good fortunes meet you on your way.”

“Come, Alchera,” Storm says to my right, and I don’t hesitate to stick close to him as we head out into the darkness.

Soon, the sun starts to rise, and although it’s a beautiful sight, it quickly gets hot. Sweating like crazy, I wipe my hand over my forehead as I stare at the miles and miles of sand.

“How are you doing?”Raighne’s voice echoes in my mind, almost giving me a heart attack.

“Next time, knock,”I joke.“I’m doing okay. It’s just hot.”

“Drink plenty of water and catch up to the others. You’re lagging. You need to walk with your group, not behind them.”

“Yes, sir.”

I start picking up my pace, and we walk for what feels like hours when an eerie silence descends all around me. A chill creeps down my spine, and I glance around me.

“Raighne, something’s wrong.”

He doesn’t answer me, and I stop walking, my eyes searching for any sign of a threat.

“Raighne?”

A chilling voice sweeps through my mind. “No, not Raighne.”

I gasp, and my heart almost explodes from my chest as it starts to beat at a crazy pace.

“Ares.”

I break out into a run, screaming, “Storm!”

He swings around. “What?”

Panic burns hot through my lungs, and I don’t even make it halfway to Storm when I’m yanked backward. I fly away from him before slamming into the scorching hot sand.

Jesus.

“Alchera!” Blair screams, and as I lift my head, I see her running toward me.

An arm comes from out of nowhere and grabs me forcefully around my neck, yanking me up into the air.

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