Page 95 of Visions & Shadows

“Then we both go,” I say because there’s no way I’m staying behind.

“Who will guard the King?” Janak asks, his tone tense with worry.

We look at him, and Dad says, “You.” He steps closer to our elder. “I only trust you.”

Janak sucks in a deep breath, then nods. “Fine.” He looks to where the rest of our group is gathering and waves a hand in the air. “Luna, Lucius, come.”

The twins are exhausted after traveling non-stop toget to the village.

When they join us, he orders, “You’ll stay by King Eryon’s side at all times.”

My father looks at the twins. “Assist Janak and protect my charge with your lives.”

They nod, looking nervous as hell.

Done with this conversation, I turn away from them and begin to stalk in the direction of the forest.

“Son,” Father calls as he jogs to catch up with me. “Let me take the lead.”

I nod, and when he picks up his pace, I run beside my father and head into the dense forest.

“I’m on my way, Alchera. Just hold on for a few more hours.”

There’s only silence, and a fist of fear grips my heart.

As long as my heart still beats, I know she’s alive. It’s all that matters.

Alchera

I’m unsure how long I’ve been out, but I wake up on the floor with every part of my body engulfed in agonizing pain. I can’t even bring myself to move a muscle.

“I thought you were never going to wake up. Welcome back.” Just hearing Adeth’s voice has me wishing I’d never opened my eyes. “Come, you must eat and drink something before you faint again.”

A bowl with something mushy is shoved near my face. Ares also sets down half a glass of water in front of me.

I’m holding onto the faint hope of being saved, and it’s the only reason I force my body up. Leaning heavily against the wall, it hurts like hell when I reach for the glass. I drink every drop before I take a couple of bites of the tasteless porridge.

“I have decided that I believe you,” Adeth states.

Oh wow. Aren’t I the lucky one.

“You’ll remain here until your visions of the chosen ones begin,which should be very soon. Then you’ll tell me what I need to know, and we can put all this nasty business behind us.”

I stare at Adeth, and it’s actually bloodcurdling how insane she is.

If the visions start, I’ll just have to hide them from her. Raighne will eventually come for me, and he’ll kill her. I’ll just keep telling myself that, and hopefully, I’ll start believing it soon.

Without another word, they disappear, and my head rolls to the side.

Every passing hour feels like the worst day of my life. I think my wounds are infected, and I have a raging headache.

I’m struggling to keep my eyes open.

I’m sure most of my ribs are broken, and my left arm has been wrecked from trying to protect myself. My back is flayed raw, and I smell like death.

Desperation passed a while ago, and I feel numb inside. I prefer it this way. It’s easier to cope with all the shit that’s happening to me.

I stare at the dirty floor I’m sitting on when my vision blurs once again, and I’m thrown into a different time and space.

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