Chapter 5
Warning
I look around the dark forest, making sure I’m not being watched. The last thing I need is for one of the brotherhood’s spies to see me and report back that I’ve been here to visit my aunt.
It would be catastrophic if it got back to the fire fairy king as well. I need to get in and get out without being seen. I take one more glance around for good measure.
“Come in, my child.”
I whip my head back toward the door that’s now wide open. Standing before me is a woman with a sheer veil over her face. I lick my lips and rush inside.
“I know what it is you seek. Are you sure this is what you want?” she asks once I’m inside.
“Yes, it is the only way to help my sister,” I reply.
She releases a laugh. “You say that now, but it won’t always be this way.”
“What? What are you talking about?”
She pushes the sheer veil back and looks me deep in the eyes. “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. You will seek revenge and power, but it will bring you to your knees if you’re not careful.
“The ingredient you seek is futile. It won’t work. Not on the likes of whom you intend to use it on. Walk away, my darling. This road holds nothing but pain.”
“I will not leave my sister to continue this way. I need to do this.”
“You say that now, but you’ll have a change of heart and your sister will fall far from your mind. Once you remember her, you will be too far set on the course that will take you away from her,” she says almost pleadingly.
“Why do you care? Take the money and give me what I need,” I snarl.
“I will always look after you, my child. I’m only trying to protect you.”
“I can protect myself. I have done so for most of my life.”
“For that I am sorry. I … never mind. Your heart wants what it wants. You will not hear me.”
She turns and goes over to a table to retrieve a box, then turns back to me to hold it out.
I move forward to take it from her. However, she doesn’t release it once I have it in my grasp. I go to tug it from her hands, but she tightens her hold.
“We will meet again,” she says with a distant look in her eyes.