Page 62 of Visions & Shadows

Slowly, my muscles begin to unwind, and I let out a satisfied moan.

Soooo much better.

I soak until the water starts to cool before I wash my body with my right hand, seeing as my left shoulder is still tender. I thought it would’ve hurt more but whatever the healer gave me must speed up the healing process.

Thank God for small mercies.

Once I’m done, I climb out of the tub and dry myself off before putting on the clean clothes. The more I move, the better I feel, and whenI walk out of my living quarters, the sun’s just starting to peek over the horizon.

Leaving the camp, I climb a hill that leads to Roark’s camp, and at the top, I stand and watch as the sun rises.

The pinks and purples in the sky are beautiful, and for a while my mind is clear of all worries. I let my eyes roam over the natural beauty around me, and I get glimpses of a creek that’s twisting through trees and shrubs to my left.

“Please tell me you didn’t sleep out here,” River suddenly says from behind me.

I turn around to face him while shaking my head. “I just got up early.”

“I saw you standing out here and thought you could do with some coffee before the training,” he says as he hands me a cup of coffee. “How do you feel?”

“Better.” I take the much-appreciated caffeine from him. “Thanks.”

We stand in silence for a while, just enjoying our beverages, then River says, “It will get easier with time.”

I nod, my eyes drifting over the picturesque landscape.

A moment later, he says, “Come, it is time for breakfast before training.”

Even though I didn’t eat yesterday, I shake my head and hold my empty cup out to him. “You go ahead. I’m not hungry. Thanks again for the coffee.”

Luckily, River doesn’t argue, and when he walks back in the direction of our camp, I sit down on the grass and pull my knees up to my chest. Wrapping my arms around my shins, I stare at the fields and wildflowers.

The visions I’ve had fill my mind, and I wonder if all the training isn’t for nothing.

Will I be able to become stronger?

Will I save the chosen ten or die long before I can even try?

When I think of the billions of people that will be killed, my heart aches and frustration pours into my chest.

God, how can any of this be fair?

I hear movement behind me, and a second later, Raighne sits downbeside me, resting his forearms on his knees.

Minutes pass as I stare at the flowers, then he asks, “How do you feel?”

“Better.” I turn my head and let my eyes drift over his attractive features. “What happened last night?”

A heavy breath escapes his chest before he meets my gaze. “I can move things.”

I nod. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because yesterday was the first time it happened.”

“Oh!” My eyebrows lift. “Well, congrats on getting a new power.”

It’s better than having visions.

“Talent,” he corrects me. “We call them talents.”

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