Page 75 of Fated

“I’m here, Areya. You aren’t alone.”

I nuzzled closer, his warmth enveloping me, and as he kissed my forehead, the tremors began to fade. I couldn’t pinpoint when it had happened—when forehead kisses and hand holding had become so natural between us. But I craved more. The way his body fit against mine, the way he made me feel protected—it was as if nothing else in the world mattered.

I savored his closeness, his intoxicating scent, and for a brief moment, all fear slipped away.

The heaviness of sleep pulled at me, and I fought it, not wanting to lose this moment.

Despite my efforts, my eyes grew heavier, and I began to drift off, securely tucked against Ash’s chest.

Chapter 19

Acool breeze blew across my face, making me shiver as I pulled the blanket tighter around my body. I sat on the old wooden swing hanging from the rafters on my porch, its gentle creek breaking the stillness of the air. Absentmindedly, I picked at the peeling white paint with my fingernail, my gaze drawn to the two carved pumpkins a few feet away.

Autumn had always been both mine and my mom’s favorite season.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of blonde curls dancing in the breeze. Mom approached, her presence soft and comforting. She was holding two mugs, steam rising and swirling from the liquid within. She handed one to me, and I raised it to my face, the familiar scent of peppermint and hot cocoa filling my senses, warming me from the inside out.

Mom smiled at me, her eyes brimming with love. It was the kind of smile reaching deep into me, filling every corner of me with warmth.

The breeze carried the scent of her favorite vanilla lotion my way, a familiar fragrance I hadn’t smelled in what felt like forever. As I looked around, a strange sense of unease crept up.

Something was off, but I couldn’t place it.

“I’m so proud of you, Areya,” Mom said, her gentle voice soothing the brokenness in my soul. I hadn’t heard those words in a lifetime, and they eased an ache deep inside of me.

I returned her smile, tilting my head. “Why so sentimental today?”

She only answered with a sad look. What was wrong? Icouldn’t remember the last time I’d seen my mom look so unhappy. Actually, though, when had I last seen her at all? I strained to remember, but my thoughts were clouded, hazy, as if trying to push through a thick fog.

Suddenly, my body jolted as a terrible memory unfolded.

My hands were coated in blood, trembling as my mom’s lifeless body lay before me on the bed. I gasped, pain crashing over me.

“Mom! No, this is a dream, isn’t it?” My voice broke, and tears began to pour from my eyes.

She nodded, her smile still tainted with profound sadness. “Yes, my sweet Areya.”

My heart shattered all over again. “Mom, everything has changed, and I’m so lost without you. You’re not supposed to be gone. I was supposed to have you for a long time, and I still need you.” The words came tumbling out of me in a frantic rush, the pain becoming too much.

“Everything is how it should be, my sweet girl,” she whispered, her voice calm. “You have been so brave, and I’m so proud of you.” She wrapped both of her arms around me, pulling me into her embrace as I sobbed into her shoulder, clinging to her as if my life depended on it.

“I miss you, Momma,” I whispered through the tears.

“I know, baby, I know,” she returned, her hand rubbing my back in the way she always used to whenever she found me upset.

But then, she pulled away, her hands resting on my shoulders as she looked at me with a serious expression. “Listen, I don’t have much time left,” she said, her tone urgent. “I’m so sorry I had to keep so many secrets. I made a vow to Everleigh to hide the truth about who you were for as long as possible.”

“It’s ok, Mom.” I nodded, despite not fully understanding. All I wanted was to stay in this moment, to have more time with her.

“You have no idea how strong you are, Areya,” she continued, her voice a mixture of pride and concern. “Don’t be afraid of the power you receive. Do you understand?”

I didn’t, not really, but nodded anyway.

“The path ahead will not be easy for you and Ash,” she said, her eyes searching mine.

“You know about Ash?”

She smiled and nodded. “Yes, Areya, I know.”

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