Page 40 of Visions & Shadows

The hatred I felt for Robert.

The rejection when I didn’t fit in at school.

“We had to do it, child. You needed to live as a human in order to understand them,” Janak answers my question. “It was spoken so by Awo.”

“You sent me to a foreign world,” I bite the words out, my anger growing by the second. “I was left alone for five years!”

Aster smiles gently at me. “You have every right to be upset, but we did what was best for you.”

I shake my head at her. “Wow, that makes it all better.” Then I remember my family again, and ask, “Where are my parents? My brother and sisters?”

I desperately want to see them and be with my own people.

“Your family is well. They’ve been waiting for the news of your return with great excitement.” Janak’s face falls as he looks to Aster for help.

My muscles tighten, and I worry they’re going to give me bad news.

Aster looks at me with sympathy. “You can only see your parents after you’ve completed your destiny. It’s too dangerous for them to meet with you right now as they might lead Adeth to you.”

What the hell?

“What destiny? Who’s Adeth?”

My anger doubles, curling around me like a thick cloud while I try to deal with the disappointment of not being able to see my parents.

“You have to learn how to be a warrior, Alchera. You need to be able to protect yourself and the chosen ten when you go to retrieve them from Earth. There’s barely enough time for you to train.”

The vague reply to my questions confuses me. Then it sinks in what Aster just said.

“Hold your horses,” I pull myself up into a sitting position. “I have to learn how to be a warrior?”

“Yes,” Janak answers. “Now that you’re home, you’ll regain your strength, and soon your talents will appear.”

“What talents?”

“You’ll have visions of the chosen ten and the future.”

I almost mention the dreams but decide to keep the information to myself.

“You’re no ordinary, fragile human anymore,” Aster says. “You need to practice your strengths and talents so you can master them.”

Just fucking perfect.

When I scowl at them, Aster clears her throat. “We have to leave you now. Thana is anxious to see you, and Raighne and his brother are also here. There are so many others waiting to welcome you home. Your life will soon be full.”

“What?” I sit stunned and watch as Aster and Janak leave without another word.

What in the everloving hell?

Sitting alone in the room, I shake my head as I try to wrap my mind around everything.

I’m home.

After five long and lonely years, I’m home only to be told I have to train and get ready to fulfill my destiny. They’re insane.

I was sixteen when I left, which means I’m turning twenty-one next week and not eighteen.

I’ve lost so much time.

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