Page 65 of Visions & Shadows

As the hours pass, I get better, and the exercise feels good.

By the time the sun starts to set, my stomach grumbles something fierce, and it has Roark saying, “Let’s call it a day. You did well. Same time, same place, tomorrow morning.”

Feeling like we’ve bonded a little today, I smile at him. “Thank you for taking the time to train me.”

He nods, and lifting a hand, he gives my right shoulder a squeeze. “Go get something to eat, then rest.”

“Have a good night,” I say, watching as he walks toward River before they head back to the camp.

Storm and Blair also leave, and when it’s just me and Raighne,I grin at my guardian. “I actually learned something today.”

“I saw,” he murmurs, not returning my smile.

Damn, is he still upset from the hug I gave him?

He starts to walk back to our campsite, and I follow behind him, wondering why a hug would upset him so much. It’s not like I professed my undying love to him.

Geez, he’s making a big deal out of nothing.

When we reach my living quarters, Raighne just nods at me before heading to his own tent.

I’m staring at his back when I hear Fleur snap, “Where have you been? I’ve looked all over.”

I turn my head to her. “I was training with Roark and Storm.”

Her eyes widen. “Oh wow. That’s such good news. They’re the best, and you’ll learn fast.” The surprise fades from her face, and she gives me a serious look. “But next time, let me know. When I brought your breakfast and found the tent empty, I almost had a heart attack.”

Frowning at her, I ask, “Why?”

She takes my hand and tugs me into my tent, looking as if she’s about a share one hell of a secret with me.

She glances around, then leans in and whispers, “I thought Adeth got a hold of you.”

Having heard the name before, I ask, “Who’s Adeth?”

Fleur’s eyes widen with shock, and her grip on my hand tightens. “You don’t know about her?”

“No.”

“We’re not supposed to talk about her,” she whispers. “She wants to end all life on Earth. She doesn’t want humankind to survive.” Fleur glances around the living room again, looking anxious as she continues, “I’ve heard she wants you so she can stop you from retrieving the chosen ones. You have to be careful. She’s dark and powerful. Always be on guard and never go anywhere alone.”

What the everloving hell?

“You’ve got to be shitting me,” I mutter. “Are you telling me I have some psycho woman coming after me?”

Fleur steps closer to me. “We’ll keep you safe. I just thought you should know so you don’t wander off alone.”

Remembering my vision from the night before, my eyes widen. I quickly pull my hand from Fleur’s and turn my head away so she can’t see the worry on my face.

“I’m pretty hungry,” I say. “Want to go get us some food?”

“Oh yes. Of course.” Luckily, she doesn’t pick up on my change of mood and she quickly leaves.

Adeth.

Is that the name of the woman I saw in my vision? The one with the guy called Ares? Are they a team?

God, does the vision mean they’ll get a hold of me?

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