Page 13 of Gift from the Wing

“Yes, you do, in fact, question it all, but questions are allowed and encouraged. Just remember, you may not like the answers you seek, Seer.”

Sighing, I run my fingers through my hair, gripping the roots as I look around the grand room.

My subconscious always brings me here when I request her guidance. A marveling library with more knowledge and information than I could consume in a lifetime, yet anytime I touch the books, they fade to nothing.

Nothing more than figments of my own imagination.

My owndesires.

Life would be simpler if I could lock myself away here and read to my heart’s fulfillment rather than travel the realm playing fates maker.

“The girl, the one you keep showing me. She’s just a child. What use could she possibly be in this war?” I ask.

It’s rich that I call her a child when I, myself, am barely an adult. By our standard of living, that is. Merely thirty and I’ve already assisted, many times, in shifting the fate of this realm. My most recent adventure to the cave’s portal proves that the growth of adolescence is sure to change. The beaten and bloodied sight of Iris was evidence enough that the days of remaining irresponsible into our hundreds are over. Really, the day I watched her emerge should’ve solidified that belief for me. I was holding out hope, I suppose.

Neither of us will be allowed that privilege.

Many will sacrifice that opportunity.

Nonetheless, I can’t shake the child’s sad silver eyes that haunt my dreams. The first time I saw them, I swore I was seeing Iris’s past. A glimpse in time before I led her to her future, but no, these eyes are slightly different. They’re tinged with a lavender hue that you can only see if you look closely. If you can manipulate time and the sight, you can catch the undertone. And unlike Iris, the child’s eyes are veiled in deep fear and sadness as though she has no clue what is going on.

“Girls do grow up to be women, Caduceus. That child has yet to even become. Her spirit still sits with me in the beyond, but she will be the end of this war. The last one of the line. One way or another,” Elementra says cryptically as always.

“What is that supposed to mean? And what does she have to do with me?” I ask frustratedly.

Again, Elementra’s laugh permeates the entire space, rattling my imaginary books and making my legs shake.

“Much must come to light before you get to know who she is, but when she does come, she will mean more to you than any other that walks this realm. She will mean more to you than even me. Have no fear, Seer, I will prepareyou for her arrival.”

Blinking my eyes open, I stare up at the makeshift crystal stars that decorate the amplifier room and wrap my hand tightly around the Memoria stone that’s clutched in my fingers.

“I no longer need that memory,filia mea, you may have it,” I whisper to the stone, laying my lips to it gently as the encounter with Elementra leaves my mind and enters its new home.

Standing, I brush my hands down the wrinkles in my pants and stretch my body out. Jumping back into my own memories like that, hundreds of years ago, always takes a lot out of me, but that’s okay. I soon will have all the time in the realm to laze around, but for now, for a few more moments, there is much I must do.

Today is the day.

The wing is almost complete and Gaster is due to meet me here in just a few. Although he has no idea what for.

Making my way down the halls, I run my air over the light-colored walls, cleaning off any possible speck of dust. I smile at every fond memory that surfaces as I pass by each room. I let my heart fill with the feeling of love for each of my boys. The nephews my sister’s blessed me with, the rough and rowdy dragon that brings me more laughter in minutes than many get in lifetimes.

The boys who have become more of pseudo sons.

Passing by the room that Tillman will one day occupy when he feels like it, I allow the ivy to wrap around my wrist, and a boisterous laugh leaves me as I sink into my mind.

Staring up at the gargantuan tree, I shake my head. Why in the realm Tillman decided four hundred feet in the air was the perfect spot for a hideaway, I haven’t a clue, but if it brings him peace, so be it, I guess.

Fuck. Here goes nothing.

Swallowing down my fear of heights, I command my air beneath my feet and propel myself to the top. The second I hit the landing, I step as close to the door as possible and refuse to allow myself to look down.

It’s ridiculous I can travel through the fabric of realms without a second thought, but being this high up has me on the verge of keeling over.

Raising my hand to knock, ivy wraps around my arms and legs, inhibiting me from pounding on the door to wake Tillman, and a laugh bursts out of me.

“Come on, nephew, allow me entry.”

“Uncle Orien, surprised to see you up here before the sun. Haven’t pissed yourself yet, have you?” Tillman asks with a teasing smile as he opens the door.

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