Page 178 of Visions & Shadows

“Oh my God,” Sky gasps. “It’s beautiful.”

I open my eyes and see we’re standing on a hill on the outskirts of a village that lies between a mountain and an ocean.

I can’t remember ever being here, and when I glance behind me, I see the beginning of a forest.

“Jesus, your eyes,” Jason says, sounding stunned.

I look at Griffith, Brenna, and Finian, and seeing their glamor is gone, my eyes dart up to Raighne’s face.

Wow.

His eyes have changed to gold encircled in red, and holy shit, it looks badass.

Griffith takes hold of Raighne’s shoulder, and with pride on his face, he says, “You’ve reached a level of guardianship none of us have ever witnessed before. Janak will want to speak with you.”

Raighne just nods, his fingers tightening around mine.

Griffith turns back to the overwhelmed chosen ones and calls out, “Follow me. Let’s get you all settled.”

“Alchera mentioned you can heal Sarah?” Doug asks.

“Yes, our healer will look at her once we’re in the village,” Griffith replies as he glances at each of the chosen ones, then he adds, “They’ll probably want to inspect everyone to make sure you’re all healthy.”

When the chosen ones follow Griffith down the hill, I remain standing between Raighne and Ares while Brenna and Finian walk a few feet away from us.

Unable to recall the village, I ask, “Is this home?”

“Yes,” Raighne answers. He points to the area near the foot of the mountain. “My house is over there.”

I wonder where I’ll live.

“With me,” Raighne answers my thought.

I feel Ares move and when I glance at him, it’s to see he’s walking toward the forest.

Seeing him back in his original state, without the glamor, makes an uneasy feeling slither down my spine.

“Where are you going?” I ask.

Ares pauses, and not looking at us, he mutters, “The village isn’t my home.”

“Where do you live?”

Ares shakes his head and without answering my question, he keeps walking toward the forest.

When he disappears behind the trees, I whisper, “Thank you for helping me.”

“It’s the least I could do,”his voice ghosts through my mind.

I feel a twinge of sadness, then I turn my attention back to the village.

“Ready?” Raighne asks, still holding my hand.

I shake my head. “I need a moment.” I pull my hand free from his, then say, “You go ahead.” When it looks like he’s going to argue, I add, “I just need some time alone. I’ll be okay.”

“You and Finian can go,” Brenna says. “I’ll stay with Alchera.”

I watch as the men leave and see Finian slapping Raighne on the back while grinning at him. I can’t hear what they’re saying but seeing them act like brothers is actually weird.

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