Page 3 of Visions & Shadows

I know better than to divulge the true reason. Who knows if there are ears hiding around us, listening in on our conversation on behalf of Adeth or Void.

There’s a moment where we can only hear the rushing of water before Raker nods. “May Awo keep you safe.”

Sucking in a deep breath of air, I step into the pool and wade my way closer to the curtain.

This is it.

I’m coming, Alchera.

Droplets of water hit my face and body, and when I’m standing in front of the curtain, I take another deep breath. I clear my thoughts of everything but Alchera before stepping beneath the spray.

The world starts to blur around me as I leave the only home I’ve ever known.

Not even a minute later, I move out from under the curtain of the waterfall nearest to Alchera.

My sight is still blurry for a moment, and I wipe the drops from my face. Glancing around me, I take in all the trees around the waterfall. The forest is more overgrown than I remember from when I left Alchera here.

I make my way to the embankment, where I pull myself out of the pool. Reaching into my pocket, I take the vial out and quickly drink the bitter elixir. I feel the change wash over me, transforming me from immortalis to a teenage human boy.

Just as I’m about to look at my reflection in the pool, I hear twigs snap.

Someone’s coming!

Glancing around, I rush toward the nearest large tree and take cover behind it.

When a girl comes walking down an overgrown trail, every muscle in my body tenses and a breath explodes over my lips.

Her dark brown hair hangs down her shoulders, and her green eyes seem to be filled with loneliness.

Alchera.

My entire being shudders at finally laying eyes on my charge.

Once she’s back on Vaalbara, her hair will be as black as a raven’s wing, and her eyes will sparkle like emeralds.

I watch as she sits down near the pool and stares at the water. Her features grow sad, then I hear her thoughts as if they’re my own.

“I can’t wait to leave this town.”

Soon, my charge. Soon.

Chapter 1

Jane / Alchera

Waking up, I let outa groan.

Ugh, I’m so not in the mood for school.

I hit the snooze button on my alarm before snuggling back into my pillow.

Minutes later, when the incessant alarm goes off again, I’m a second away from flinging the damn cell phone out of the window.

Get up, or your butt is walking to school. It’s freezing, and you need the ride.

Forcing myself to sit up in bed, I rub the sleep from my eyes.

“Just five more months, then you’re done with school,” I mutter before yawning. “Ugh. Five months too long. God help me.”

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