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)
She glances at the group then nods.
“Is this it?” Dylan asks. “Are we leaving for good?”
“Oh Jesus,” Sarah whispers. “I don’t know if I’m ready. What’s going to happen?”
A nervous energy fills the air, and it has me climbing to my feet.
“I’m not going to lie,” I say. “It’s going to be overwhelming at first. Just stick together.”
“What’s it like on Vaalbara?” Jason asks. “And are you sure my animals are there?”
“Yes, your animals are there,” Griffith answers. “There are no big cities, and we’re not as advanced as you are. Things are peaceful, and we help each other. All that matters is you’ll be safe to begin a new life.”
“Easier said than done,” Dylan mutters.
“We’ve kept you safe thus far. Trust us,” I say. “We only have your best interests at heart.”
Dylan nods, and thankfully, it seems to set the others at ease.
“Everyone form a circle and hold hands,” Ares orders. “Just like before, don’t let go until we’re on Vaalbara.”
We all form a circle, and as Raighne comes to stand on my right, Ares takes the spot on my left.
I look down at his hand, and after the past couple of days, it doesn’t fill me with hate and revulsion as I place my palm in his. His fingers wrap tightly around mine.
“Thank you,” he whispers, and I only nod before glancing at the group to make sure everyone’s ready.
This is it.
“Wait,” I gasp as I turn my head and look out the living room’s window.
I might have only lived here for five years, but it’s the only home I’ve known. Realizing this is the last time I’ll be on Earth, my heart squeezes painfully in my chest.
I only get to take these ten people. The rest will all die.
I close my eyes, and I feel the millions of hearts beating and the living force of nature.
I wish I could save it all.
I’m overcome with intense grief, and as I struggle to hold back the tears, I whisper mentally to Ares, “Let’s go.”
The air shifts around us, and everything spins for a moment before a cool breeze trickles over my skin.
“Oh my God,” Sky gasps. “It’s beautiful.”
I open my eyes and see we’re standing on a hill on the outskirts of a village that lies between a mountain and an ocean.
I can’t remember ever being here, and when I glance behind me, I see the beginning of a forest.
“Jesus, your eyes,” Jason says, sounding stunned.
I look at Griffith, Brenna, and Finian, and seeing their glamor is gone, my eyes dart up to Raighne’s face.
Wow.
His eyes have changed to gold encircled in red, and holy shit, it looks badass.
Griffith takes hold of Raighne’s shoulder, and with pride on his face, he says, “You’ve reached a level of guardianship none of us have ever witnessed before. Janak will want to speak with you.”
Raighne just nods, his fingers tightening around mine.
Griffith turns back to the overwhelmed chosen ones and calls out, “Follow me. Let’s get you all settled.”
“Alchera mentioned you can heal Sarah?” Doug asks.
“Yes, our healer will look at her once we’re in the village,” Griffith replies as he glances at each of the chosen ones, then he adds, “They’ll probably want to inspect everyone to make sure you’re all healthy.”
When the chosen ones follow Griffith down the hill, I remain standing between Raighne and Ares while Brenna and Finian walk a few feet away from us.
Unable to recall the village, I ask, “Is this home?”
“Yes,” Raighne answers. He points to the area near the foot of the mountain. “My house is over there.”
I wonder where I’ll live.
“With me,” Raighne answers my thought.
I feel Ares move and when I glance at him, it’s to see he’s walking toward the forest.
Seeing him back in his original state, without the glamor, makes an uneasy feeling slither down my spine.
“Where are you going?” I ask.
Ares pauses, and not looking at us, he mutters, “The village isn’t my home.”
“Where do you live?”
Ares shakes his head and without answering my question, he keeps walking toward the forest.
When he disappears behind the trees, I whisper, “Thank you for helping me.”
“It’s the least I could do,” his voice ghosts through my mind.
I feel a twinge of sadness, then I turn my attention back to the village.
“Ready?” Raighne asks, still holding my hand.
I shake my head. “I need a moment.” I pull my hand free from his, then say, “You go ahead.” When it looks like he’s going to argue, I add, “I just need some time alone. I’ll be okay.”
“You and Finian can go,” Brenna says. “I’ll stay with Alchera.”
I watch as the men leave and see Finian slapping Raighne on the back while grinning at him. I can’t hear what they’re saying but seeing them act like brothers is actually weird.
Everything feels weird.
Wrapping my arms around my middle, I ask, “In which direction is the Virtutes Waterfall?”