Page 19 of Visions & Shadows

Maybe I should just grab her and forcefully take her back to Vaalbara.

No. Be patient and gentle.

I’m bored out of my mind as we attend the remaining classes for the day, and by the time the final bell rings, relief fills my veins.

“Finally,” Alchera sighs. “Let’s get out of here.”

When we get up from our seats, I take hold of her bag and shrug it over my shoulder. “I’ll carry it.”

She gives me an incredulous look but doesn’t say anything as we step out into the aisle and head to the door.

The instant we walk into the hallway, a girl says, “Jane, do you want a ride home?”

“I’m going to hang out with Ryan,” Alchera answers. “I’ll see you later.”

“Oh,” the girl replies, looking shell-shocked. “Ahh…Okay. Have fun.”

We head down the hallway, and once we’re out of hearing distance from the girl, Alchera says, “That’s Molly. She’s my adoptive sister.”

I only nod, and when we leave the building, I gesture in the direction of my truck. “I’m parked over there.”

I can feel a nervous energy coming from Alchera when we reach the truck, and glancing at her, I see her features are tense with an anxious expression.

“You okay?” I ask.

“Yeah.” She lets out an awkward-sounding chuckle. “It’s not every day I get into a truck with a guy I barely know. Maybe we should put off going to the waterfall?”

“You told Molly you’re spending time with me. If anything happens, I’m the first person they’re going to suspect.”

“True.”

I open the passenger door and nod to the seat. “The choice is yours.”

Alchera hesitates, and her eyes flit to my face before she glances over her shoulder at the other students who are watching us. The next second, she climbs into my truck, and I let out a relieved breath.

Thanks be to Awo.

I place her bag in the back of the truck before getting into the cab, and when I start the engine, I smile at her. “Thanks for not changing your mind.”

“Just don’t kill me, and we’re good,” she teases.

“You’re safe with me,” I promise.

There’s nowhere you’re safer than by my side.

“The waterfall is just off the road you took yesterday.”

“When you ducked into the bushes?” I ask.

“You saw that?” she gasps, a blush forming on her neck and cheeks.

Chuckling, I nod.

“God,” she groans. “Not embarrassing at all.” She’s quiet for a moment, then asks, “What were you doing out there?”

“Just looking for some peace and quiet.”

“Then you’ll love Fish Creek Falls.” She smiles, and it feels like the sun is shining on me.

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