Page 113 of Visions & Shadows

Standing on the top of a hill, I watch as everyone gathers around Janak and my father’s body that’s lying on top of a stone altar of some sort.

Some are crying, while others are staring blankly ahead of them as Janak says something I can’t hear.

He places his hand on my father’s chest, and a moment later, a twinkling light begins to appear as my father’s soul drifts up into the sky to be with Awo before his body vanishes.

A woman falls to her knees, and my eyes lock on her.

For a second, I feel a flicker of interest as she claws at her chest, but Thana and Brenna help her back to her feet, then remainstanding on either side of her.

Is she the elusive mother I can barely remember?

“Alchera.”

I forcefully block Raighne for the umpteenth time.

The damn man is persistent. He’s been trying non-stop to get through to me since our last talk, which, by the way, didn’t go down too well.

I regret what I said to Raighne yesterday, but it’s done now, and I can’t turn back time.

Once again, the conversation replays in my mind as I watch them honor my father.

“Alchera! Wait, please. We need to talk.”

I swing around to face Raighne, and when he sees my expression, shock flickers in his eyes.

“You are grief-stricken over losing your father,” he states the obvious.

“You’re wrong,” I hiss as I shake my head. “I’m more than just grief-stricken. I’m pissed!” When his lips part, I hold up my hand to stop him from talking. “It’s the last straw. I can handle everybody messing with me, but taking out my dad, killing him off like he’s some worthless being? No! He is my dad. He is your King!” My voice rises, and I have to pause to catch my breath.

Raighne wants to say something, but I silence him with a look of warning. “You don’t get to speak now,” I snap. “You don’t get to say anything.”

I walk right up to him so he can see every ounce of my rage as I say, “Don’t follow me. Go back to your people and tell them I’m done. I’ll save the chosen ones, but I want no part in anything to do with Vaalbara. I’m done with you and your kind. You took everything from me.” I suck in a quivering breath. “I have nothing more to give.”

Without giving him a chance to say anything, I turn around and walk away while forcefully blocking him from my mind.

I’ve also been thinking about my time on Vaalbara and how it’s changed me.

Even though it’s made me stronger, it’s also turned me into a hard, bitter person.

I suppose it’s what they wanted.

I sneak into my living quarters like a damned escaped convict while everyone’s mourning my father.

Now’s the only chance I have to wash up. I hurry, constantly listening for any movement outside, and when I’m finally wearing clean clothes, I let out a breath of relief.

I search through all the drawers, and finding a pair of scissors, I do my best to cut my hair into a less shitty style.

I’m wasting time, but when I’m done, my hair’s cut short against my scalp and standing every which way.

Fuck. That doesn’t look much better.

I let out a sigh as a pang of loss threatens to bloom in my chest, but I smother it. I don’t have time to waste on stupid feelings.

With no time to spare, I rush out of my living quarters and break out into a run toward the forest.

I use the trees for cover, and finding the stream, I follow it as I make my way in the direction of the Virtutes Waterfall.

Today, I’m getting my ass off this damned planet.

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