Chapter 31
Alchera
It feels like I’ve barely closed my eyes when I startle awake, my body jerking.
It’s only for a split second, then my vision blurs.
A thick smoke engulfs me, and I instantly start coughing. My eyes sting as I glance around me, taking in the burning trees and orange light glowing around me.
Jesus, have I stepped into an inferno?
I cover my mouth with my hands and blink like crazy, tears streaking down my cheeks while I struggle to make sense of where I am.
I hear people shout, and my head snaps in their direction. I watch as a group hurries to push boats into a wide river.
“Silvana, come!” a woman shouts.
“I’m not leaving my research behind.”
I look at the woman called Silvana, who’s rushing between a desk and a cabinet in a large tent.
It feels as if I glide toward Silvana, where she’s shoving a laptop and hard drives into a bag.
“Your research is worth nothing if you die out here,” the other woman screams. “We have to go.”
“I’m right behind you,” Silvana shouts, but then there’s a loud crack, and a burning tree falls at the entrance of the tent, setting the fabric on fire.
I snap out of it, and before I know what I’m doing, I dart off the bed and yank the door open.
“Ares!” I call out as I run down the hallway.
Before I can make it past the bathroom, I slam into a wall of muscle as Ares appears out of thin air and catches me by my shoulders. “What’s wrong?”
A second later, Raighne’s arm wraps around my middle, and I’m tugged back against his chest.
“I had a vision. She’s in danger,” I say, grabbing hold of Ares’ forearm. “Take me to her.”
His eyes lock with mine, and I feel his breeze sweep through my mind before we shimmer away in the blink of an eye.
When we appear in the tent, Silvana is lying on the ground with smoke billowing all around us and flames devouring the fabric of the tent and furniture.
I pull free from Raighne, and crouching beside my chosen one, I lift her head to my chest while trying to see if she’s still breathing.
I can barely take a breath myself, the heat quickly making my clothes stick to my skin.
“We don’t have time,” Raighne says while coughing as he places a hand on my shoulder.
Ares moves closer, and with a hand on Raighne and me, he shimmers us back to Ireland.
When we appear in the living room, some of the chosen ones startle. I struggle to get a breath of fresh air past the burning in my throat and croak, “Lydia, check…on Silvana. I don’t know…if she’s breathing.”
When I start to cough, Raighne places his hand on my back, and while the burning eases in my windpipe, he struggles to suck in a breath of air. I quickly pull away and shake my head at him.
Raighne practically tackles me to the ground, and with an angry glare directed at me, he presses his hand to my chest and eases the last of the discomfort from my lungs.
When he sinks back to sit down, Jason quickly brings him a glass of water, but it takes way too long before Raighne’s able to breathe normally again.
“I was fine,” I bite out, not happy at all. “You can’t take all the pain.”
“I can,” he mutters with clenched teeth. “And I will.”
I climb to my feet and look at Lydia. “Will Silvana be okay?”
“What happened?” she asks.
“There was a fire. She was unconscious when we got to her,” I explain. “I think she was in the Amazon forest.”
“I can’t run any tests, but she’s breathing, and her pulse is steady,” Lydia says. “Let’s hope there’s no damage to her lungs.”
“They’ll be able to heal her on Vaalbara,” Brenna mentions.
“You should all get ready,” I say. “I only have one more chosen one to retrieve, and then we’re heading back to Vaalbara.”
Turning around, I walk to the sliding doors and step outside, where I keep taking deep breaths of the fresh air.
That was too close. I almost lost Silvana, and it makes me worry about my last chosen one and what kind of situation the person will be stuck in.
“Don’t fight me when I have to heal you,” Raighne snaps as he comes up behind me.
I turn around to face him and level him with a dark scowl. “I don’t want you healing me left, right, and center. I can take some of the pain.”
“It’s my duty, Alchera,” he argues.
“Put yourself in my shoes,” I say with a sigh. “I refuse to use you as a pain reliever. You mean so much more to me than that.”
He closes the distance between us and takes hold of my shoulders, and with our eyes locked, he says, “I’m stronger than you, and I can handle it. This is not up for discussion, Alchera. I will not have you suffer if I can take pain or torment from you. Don’t fight me on this, and let me protect you.”
From the determined look in his eyes, I know I’m not going to win this argument. I let out an unhappy huff before I mutter, “It doesn’t mean I have to approve of it.”
When he realizes he’s won this battle, the corner of his mouth lifts in a hot grin. “Thank you for caring about me, though.”
“Hmm…” I grumble, which earns me an amused chuckle from him before he presses a kiss to my forehead. His arms wrap around me, and I’m squashed against his chest. “My stubborn little dreamer.”
He holds me for a while before he pulls back and asks, “We’re good?”
A smile curves my lips. “Yeah, we’re good.”
Raighne’s eyes soften on my face, then he says, “You don’t smile enough.”
“It’s hard with all the shit going down around us,” I reply as I glance at the sliding doors where Ares is standing.
He’s leaning with his shoulder against the doorjamb and his arms crossed over his chest.
“I’m just sticking close by in case you get another vision so we can leave immediately,” Ares’ voice drifts through my mind, which has Raighne turning to face him.
“If you have something to say to her, speak out loud. Don’t enter her mind unless you need to see where we have to go,” Raighne growls at him.
Ares’ eyes narrow on Raighne as he bites out, “Got it, cousin.”
“Silvana’s awake,” Jason calls, distracting us from the tension between Raighne and Ares.
I head back into the house, and find my newest chosen one drinking a glass of water.
“How do you feel?” I ask as I move closer to her.
She clears her throat and whispers, “Like death, and after what everyone told me, I’m starting to think I did die.”
“You didn’t,” I say, and stopping beside her, I take in her disheveled look. “I’m just relieved I got to you in time.”
Her eyes flick from one person to the next, then she says, “I just need a moment to process everything.”
“Take your time,” I murmur, patting her shoulder before I walk to the kitchen to get some water for myself.
Raighne follows me with Ares right behind him, and I let out a sigh because their testosterone is a bit much to deal with today.
I pour water into a glass and take a couple of sips while I stare out the window. “Can the two of you chill until we’re done with the mission,” I say before taking another sip.
“Sure,” Ares mutters.
“Hmf…” is all I get from Raighne.
The tension doesn’t ease at all, and instead, it feels like it gets worse.
When I hear voices shouting from afar, a frown forms on my forehead, and I whisper, “It’s happening.”
As the glass slips from my hand, Raighne’s arms wrap around me from behind, and the next second, I find myself in the middle of chaos.
“Amandla!” a large crowd of protestors chant, and others respond by shouting, "Ngawethu!”
I’m shoved and jostled by one person after the other, and for a precious few minutes, I’m swept up by the aggressive crowd as they run through the streets.
Gunshots sound up, and where some take cover, others run toward the police force who’s trying to regain control.
Windows are being smashed, and looters are raiding every store while vehicles try to maneuver their way through the chaos.
My heart is hammering in my chest, and I’m breathless as I fight my way to the sidewalk. I run to a side street where things are quieter, and as I try to catch my breath, I wildly glance around me.
Who’s the chosen one?
Shit, trying to make my way through the angry mob will be insane.
I keep searching through the hundreds of people, and seeing a woman who’s trying to drag an unconscious man toward the sidewalk, something about her catches my attention.
Maybe it’s the fact that she’s risking her life, trying to help someone in all the chaos. Two men grab hold of her, and they force her toward me while three more follow them.
No!
They drag her past me, and my eyes lock with her terrified ones.
“Pearl,” I whisper in horror as one of the men starts to beat her.
I come to, my breaths racing over my lips. I’m clinging to Raighne, where we’re sitting on the floor by the sink. Lifting my head, I look at Ares .
“We have to go. Right now.”
He darts forward, and placing his hands on our shoulders, he shimmers us away in a split second.
When we appear precisely where I was standing in the side street, the crowd’s aggressive chanting, sirens, and shouts fill the air.
My head whips to my right, and I scream, “Pearl!”
Before I can take a step in her direction, where the men are beating and tearing at her clothes, Raighne waves a hand, sending the men flying in all directions.
Ares shimmers to her side, grabs hold of her, then shimmers back to us before getting us out of the terrible chaos.
When we appear in the living room, Pearl starts to gag. I quickly wrap an arm around her and say, “It’s okay. You’re safe.” I rub my hand up and down her back.
Letting out a sob, her body caves into mine, and as I sit down on the floor with her, I hold her tightly while she breaks down.
“I won’t let anyone hurt you again,” I whisper, my tone hoarse with the intense emotions I feel coming from her. “Shh…you’re going to be okay.”
“Let me look at her,” Lydia says, her tone gentle. I pull away so Lydia can take over and climb to my feet.
“That’s all ten,” Griffith says. “We need to go back to Vaalbara.”
My eyes flick to him and my tone is biting as I snap, “We’ll leave once Lydia is done checking Pearl.”
“Do you have a first aid kit?” Lydia asks, which has Doug rushing out of the living room.
A minute later he comes back with the kit and hands it to Lydia while asking, “Do you need anything else?”
“Some sugar water for the shock. It will help her calm down,” Lydia answers.
As Doug goes to get the water, I crouch by the two women and place my hand on Pearl’s back. She’s shaking like a leaf caught in a shitstorm while Lydia wipes some of the blood from her face.
I know what it feels like to be beaten to a pulp and fearing for your life, and I hate that Pearl had to experience such a horrible situation.
Lydia’s gentle with Pearl as she tends to her busted lip and the cuts on her cheeks and temple.
Slowly, Pearl’s breathing returns to normal, and she keeps staring at the floor. Her voice is shaky when she asks, “Where am I? Who are you people?”
“I’m a doctor,” Lydia says. “I work with Doctors without Borders. Have you seen what’s happening around the world?”
Pearl nods, wrapping her arms around her middle.
“These people came to save us. The world is dying, and they’re taking us to a new one. I know it sounds crazy, but so far, they’ve protected us from the disasters and violence.”
“I’m a doctor, too,” Pearl whispers. “A pediatrician.”
“We have something in common,” Lydia murmurs, a smile tugging at her mouth. “It doesn’t look like you need stitches.”
Pearl nods before tentatively glancing at me. Her chin quivers then she asks, “You helped me?”
I nod. “With the help of Raighne and Ares.” I rub my hand over her back again. “We need to get out of here before everything goes to hell. Think you can handle that?”
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?”
“Come. I’ll show you,” Brenna says.
As we walk over the hills and planes of wild grass and flowers, we don’t speak.
I take in this new world that will be my home, but I can’t appreciate its beauty right now, not while I know another world is dying.