Total pages in book: 126
Estimated words: 123779 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 619(@200wpm)___ 495(@250wpm)___ 413(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 123779 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 619(@200wpm)___ 495(@250wpm)___ 413(@300wpm)
Needing to know more, I ask, “If I have to retrieve the chosen, then what’s your destiny?”
A smile wavers around her mouth. “I have the power to control water, wind, fire, and earth.” She exhales a heavy breath. “It’s my destiny to ensure Earth returns to dust.”
God, and I thought my destiny was bad.
She has to destroy Earth? That’s horrible.
My chin quivers as I stare at my sister. After long seconds I manage to whisper, “I’m so sorry.”
I don’t know what else to say.
“There’s nothing to apologize for.” She tries to give me an encouraging smile. “It is my destiny, and I’m proud to fulfill it.”
Hoping she knows why, I ask, “Why can’t I see our parents?”
“It’s too dangerous.” She gives me a compassionate smile. “Just trust that it’s for the best.”
Yeah, I don’t think so.
Raighne takes hold of my hand and says, “That’s enough information for now. It’s time for Alchera to go to our camp, where she can wash up and eat something.”
Thana nods. “Yes, you should rest. I’ll see you again once your visions of the chosen ones start.” She closes the distance between us and gives me a quick hug. “It’s good to have you home, Alchera.”
I nod, and when she pulls away, Raighne tugs at my hand.
“See you around,” I say before I follow Raighne in the direction of a hill.
My heart feels heavy from the terrible information I just learned, so I don’t free my hand from Raighne’s and let his warmth flow through me.
In a matter of hours, my entire life has changed irrevocably, and I have the feeling it’s only going to get worse.
As if I’m coming out of a daze, I slowly focus on my surroundings. The first things I notice are the lush fields and hills and the different colors of the wildflowers.
I’ve forgotten how beautiful Vaalbara is.
I suck in a deep breath of air that tastes sweet compared to the polluted air on Earth.
When we reach the top of the hill, I see a bigger camp than the one we just left. There’s a forest behind all the tents and it stretches for as far as the eye can see.
I hear chirping and notice a pond nearby where birds are bathing, and when I glance to my left, I notice mountains in the distance.
As we get closer to the other camp, that’s made up of numerous large tents and a building that stands to one side, people stop what they’re doing to stare at me.
Oh, just great.
I swallow hard as my stomach begins to spin with nerves, and without realizing it, I move closer to Raighne. My cheek brushes against his arm, and it has him looking down at me.
“It’s okay,” he says, his tone firm and filled with confidence. “They’re all happy to see you.”
Suddenly, the crowd makes way for a beautiful woman who looks sexy as fuck. With thick auburn hair that reaches below her shoulders and eyes made of onyx stones, she looks like a force to be reckoned with.
Damn, she gives me the impression she can kick some serious butt.
“You’ve finally decided to grace us with your presence,” she says, her tone biting.
Uhm…come again?
When she stops in front of me and crosses her arms over her chest, I get a full display of her cleavage.
Damn, it must take some powerful magic for the tiny leather top to stay on.
“Brenna,” Raighne mutters. “Watch yourself. You, of all people, know Alchera had no say in any of this.”
Brenna?
My eyes widen, and I stare at her. Last I saw Brenna, she was as skinny as me and wouldn’t hurt a fly, whereas the woman in front of me is nothing short of a warrior.
She takes a step closer to Raighne, lifting her chin as if she’s challenging him.
My eyes jump wildly between them.
“Guardian, you better watch your tongue, or I will sever it from your mouth,” she threatens him.
From out of nowhere, I’m hit with one hell of a protective feeling toward Raighne, and before I can stop myself, I step between them.
With a look of warning, I say, “Back off.”
Her eyes flick over my face before she lets out a burst of laughter. “Would you look at that? Seems you grew a spine on Earth, little sister.” She looks me up and down as if I’m nothing but a piece of shit. “Sadly, I don’t think it will keep you alive for long.”
Jesus, what did I do to her to make her act so hostile?
“Enough!” Raighne’s voice thunders over us, making me flinch.
He tugs me back to his side, and stepping forward, he levels Brenna with a glare that has fear slithering into my chest.
Raighne squares his shoulders and clenches his jaw, and I can see how much it’s taking for him to stay calm.
“Alchera is my charge, and I have custody over her, which makes me more than a mere guardian.”