Page 26 of Gift from the Source
She doesn’t dwell.
She leaves that room with another piece of her healed.
Four
Willow
“He isn’t going to fit through the frames,”I say to the guys as we join the others.
Everyone’s waiting for us at the doorway in the front entrance of this deadly hallway and my eyes can’t help but venture over to the youngest but biggest of us all. His staggering size difference compared to everyone else steals my full attention. My guys always make me feel small, but I’m no bigger than an infant compared to Carrington.
At first, it scared the shit out of me—honestly, it still does a little. Now I sense the inside of that giant is nothing but mush. He’s a big ol’ teddy bear who wouldn’t intentionally hurt anyone or anything.
Even now as he, Dec, and Xander stand near the entry with everyone, bags slung over their shoulders, he gives everyone some space as if he’s afraid he may step on them. The nerves are rolling off him and I don’t know if it’s from being around this many people or the fact he’s escaping.
All eyes turn to observe me caringly as my men and I step up to join them. Usually, it would make me uncomfortable having them all, including semi strangers, looking at me after I cried, but there’s no pity found in any of them. There’s a piece of everybody that feels a sense of justificationat us retrieving my blood and I appreciate the support more than I could ever express to them.
Especially my brother at this moment.
He’s not even attempting to hide his bloodthirsty, prideful smile. I’d make a remark about the‘my little dragon stealing back what was stolen from her’thoughts he has running through his mind, but despite him constantly teasing me as little, I love the sweet sibling claim.
“The frames will have to bend or break for him. I don’t think any of us care about a little destruction here either way,”Tillman finally answers me, then calls everyone’s attention.
“Straight through the forest to the tree. Codi, mend the way for Carrington. Everyone stick together and be vigilant.”
We all nod obediently as we take a few steps back for Codi to do his thing.
With a simple wave of his hand, the entire structure of the doorframe begins growing until the crown molding is over Carrington’s head, and again, I’m utterly shocked at his true height.
“Ready to see the outside, bud?” Dec asks him with a huge grin.
“You’ve never seen outside?” Trex asks, whipping around toward Carrington.
“Umm…not of this realm. I was moved from my home to a house somewhere in this realm, then under this one a few months ago,” he says bashfully.
“A few months…” I trail off, turning to Dec and Xander, who are already looking at me, nodding.
“We were in a concealed house just down the street for years. After Donald’s initiation, we, plus everything else, were moved here. The underground had always been here but was used for…other things.”
I’m not sure what other things Dec’s referring to, nor do I think I want to know, judging by his gloomy face.
“In that case, prepare yourself for something beautiful. This realm isn’t nearly as gorgeous as Elementra, so that’ll be a special treat for you, Carrington,” I say as cheerfully as I can when his face falls along with Dec’sand Xander’s. I don’t want him, any of them feeling sad at this moment. “Let’s get outside and go home.”
The rush everyone had been feeling moments ago comes flooding back through our group. The word home has everyone moving through the hallway’s threshold, up the slope, and into the mansion with more carefree steps than cautious ones.
It may seem like the mission is complete now, but this was only part one. Now we have to actually get home and that’s all on me.
I’m nervous but also thrumming with confidence. I’m trying my hardest to keep my enthusiasm under lock and key, but it’s difficult to do after that liberation.
My body, mind, and soul feel invincible.
Yeah, seeing that room damn near overflowing with my blood and generations before me was gut-wrenching and heartbreaking, but with every jar that emptied, left the Summum-Master’s possession, something clicked in place for me.
The power of my mom and grandma pulsed through my hands as my element guided its way. It was as though they were constantly lending me their strength. Not just physical, but their mental strength as well.
I’m not on the verge of crumbling or breaking down.
I’m freer now than I was when we arrived and there’re only a few more chain links left for me to break.
