Chapter 32
Alchera
When we reach the Virtutes Waterfall, I sit down and stare at the rushing water.
“Want to talk about what’s on your mind?” Brenna asks as she takes a seat beside me.
“So many people are dying right now,” I whisper, my tone somber. I focus for a moment, but I can’t feel the heartbeats and nature on Earth anymore. “It’s such a waste of life.”
“Try not to think about it,” Brenna says. She nudges my shoulder with hers. “I’m proud of you. You were pretty badass.”
The corner of my mouth lifts. “Yeah?”
“Yeah, but I’ll still beat you in a fight,” she chuckles.
Everything that’s happened since I laid eyes on Raighne in that classroom flashes through my mind and unable to control my emotions, they spiral.
I suck in a shuddering breath, and when a sob escapes me, Brenna wraps her arm around my shoulders.
“It’s over,” she says. “Try not to think of the past.”
“It’s hard not to,” I whimper.
“Do you need me?” Raighne’s voice fills my mind.
“No, I’m okay. ”
“You sure?”
“Yes.”
I suck in another deep breath and push the emotions down while I lean into Brenna’s side.
“I remember the day you were born like it was yesterday,” Brenna murmurs. “Everyone was so happy. Mom and Dad fussed over you day and night.”
I sit up straighter and glance at my sister.
A soft smile plays around her lips as she stares at the beautiful sight of the waterfall. “When you were old enough, I took you horseback riding. You loved going fast and feeling the wind in your hair. Thana would spend hours combing the knots out of your hair while cursing me a blue streak.”
I must’ve been too young because I don’t remember it.
“Thana also taught you how to braid your hair.”
I nibble on the inside of my cheek as I try hard to recall the memories.
“Once, you followed Roark to the training camps without anyone noticing. We spent the whole day searching everywhere for you and found you sitting on a hill, watching as Roark trained to take over as king.”
Roark. God, it feels like a year has passed since his death.
“We were happy before you were sent away, and we’ll be happy again,” Brenna says.
I shake my head. “Dad and Roark are dead, and God only knows where Thana is.”
“We’ll be happy again,” Brenna insists, and taking my hand, she gives it a squeeze. “It might take some time, but we’ll find a new normal.”
She climbs to her feet and pulls me up. “Come. There’s someone who’s dying to see you.”
“Who?” I ask as we begin to walk back in the direction of the village.
“Mom.”
With everything that’s happened, I forgot about her.
Instantly, an anxious feeling fills my chest.
I search my mind for the few memories I have of her. The last time I saw her, she had blonde hair like Thana. I couldn’t get a good look at her at Dad’s funeral .
A memory of Mom tucking me into bed flits through my mind, and I remember feeling loved and safe.
An eternity has passed since, and I’m not so sure I’ll be able to pick up where we left off five years ago.
As we near the village, people are all gathered around the chosen ones, giving them a warm welcome. There’s no sign of Sarah and Pearl, and I assume they’re with Aster in the infirmarius.
Brenna takes my hand and pulls me down a path that cuts between two houses that are built with some kind of rock and with roofs made of wood. Some houses have ivy climbing up the walls, whereas others have vines with pretty white and purple flowers.
Even though we’re in the village, there are so many flowers and plants, it still feels like it’s a part of nature.
“We’ll sneak around the back so we don’t get bombarded by the villagers,” Brenna explains. “You can face them at the celebration they’ll have for you returning with the chosen ones.”
“Yes, please,” I mutter as I follow her down a narrow cobblestone path, then I add, “I’m not so sure about the celebration, though.”
“It’s something you can’t avoid,” she says, giving me a teasing grin.
It’s a good twenty-minute walk before we reach a large building that looks like a castle. I vaguely remember the place.
Home?
We enter via a side door, and when we walk down a corridor that’s lit up with oil lamps, I feel a sense of familiarity.
As we round the bend, a woman shuts a door up ahead, then her eyes fall on us and she freezes. The blood drains from her face, and the next second, she starts to run.
“My baby!”
It takes a moment before I recognize her, and then she plows into me. Her arms grip me tightly and sobs burst over her lips.
Mom.
I stand frozen for far too long before I manage to lift my arms and wrap them around her.
“Thank Awo,” she gasps. “I’ve missed you so much.”
My throat strains and my eyes burn, then her familiar scent drifts to me, and my body jerks.
The moment is too intense, and my lips part with a silent cry as I break down in her embrace. Instantly, I feel Raighne’s warmth flow through me, letting me know he’s close by should I need him.
Mom’s hand cups the back of my head, and she rains kisses down on the side of my face while I cry my heart out.
“Oh, to hold Eryon’s baby in my arms again,” she sobs. “Awo has blessed me.” She keeps peppering me with kisses until the intense feelings settle into an awkwardness that tenses the air.
Mom pulls slightly back, and as her gaze drifts over my face, a happy smile spreads around her mouth. “You look just like your father.”
My chin trembles, and my voice is hoarse with guilt as I whisper, “I’m sorry Dad and Roark died because of me.”
She shakes her head, her features tightening with sorrow. “It’s not your fault, sweetheart. They died honorable deaths.”
She hugs me to her chest again and sucks in a quivering breath. “You and Brenna have returned safely to me. I’m thankful for that.”
When she lets go of me again, she reaches a hand out to Brenna and gives her arm a squeeze. “You’ve both made me so proud.” She glances down the corridor, then says, “Come. You must be exhausted.”
“We are,” Brenna mutters. “I’m going to clean up. I’ll see you at dinner.”
When Brenna walks to the stairs and takes them up to another floor, Mom keeps staring at me.
She lifts a hand to my hair and brushes her fingers through the short strands.
“I had to cut it,” I whisper.
“It will grow back.” She gives me a trembling smile. “I missed you so much, Alchera.”
When the urge to cry swells in my chest, I swallow hard.
“Do you remember me?” Mom asks, her voice hoarse.
I nod, then suck in a deep breath, trying to calm the overwhelming emotions.
“We’ll make new memories,” she says as she brushes her hand over my cheek. “But first, you need to rest.”
She takes my hand and leads me up the stairs. When we near a doorway, Mom says, “We didn’t change anything in your room. It’s exactly as you left it.”
My room.
I stop in the doorway, and my eyes flick wildly over the single bed with warm pelts. There are stars made of paper hanging from the ceiling, a wooden dressing table, and a three-legged stool.
On the dressing table, there’s a hairbrush and dried flowers standing in a clay vase.
I take a step inside, then my eyes land on the doll that’s made of fabric with wool for hair. I move closer, and when I pick up the doll, Mom says, “You never went anywhere without her.”
I look at the brown freckles on her face and whisper, “Freckle.”
“You remember her?” Mom asks, her tone hopeful.
“I think so.”
I set her down on the pillow and turn to face my mother. Looking at the pale blue dress she’s wearing with a leather corset, I have to admit she’s more beautiful than I remember.
The awkwardness gets worse, and feeling out of place, I glance around the room again.
“I’ll leave you to freshen up and get some rest. When you’re ready, I’ll be in the sitting room.”
I nod, giving her a nervous smile. “Thanks.”
“Dinner is at sundown in the dining room,” she mentions as she walks into the corridor. “You can tell me all about your adventures.”
Adventures.
I watch as she disappears down the corridor then shake my head.
None of what I went through was an adventure.
I sit down on the side of the bed, and covering my face with my hands, I let out a shuddering sigh.
Even though I used to live here until my sixteenth birthday, it doesn’t feel like home.
I climb to my feet and hurry out of the room, heading down the corridor toward the side door. With every step I take, my emotions spiral into a chaotic mess.
“Raighne. I need you.”
“On my way,” he instantly replies.
I run up the narrow cobblestone path in the direction of the forest as if Adeth herself is behind me. The shadows close in on me, chilling my skin until I can’t feel the heat from the sun any longer.
“Raighne!” I scream, desperation coating the word.
Suddenly, strong arms wrap around me, and I’m lifted off my feet as Raighne catches me. I’m hauled against his chest, his warmth engulfing my entire being.
“I’ve got you. I’m here,” he says as he lifts me bridal style.
I wrap my arms around him and bury my face in the crook of his neck.
Not strong enough to face my past and my uncertain future, nor the shadows Adeth left behind in my mind, I focus only on Raighne’s warmth as he carries me away from the village.
Only when I hear the rushing of water do I lift my head to glance around us. Seeing he brought me back to the Virtutes Waterfall, I let out a sigh of relief.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper when he sets me down on my feet.
“For what?” His eyes drift over my face.
“Losing my shit,” I mutter as I glance at the inviting pool of water.
“You’ve been through a hell of a lot, Alchera. I think you’re entitled to lose your shit.”
My eyes jump back to his face, and I tug my bottom lip between my teeth before admitting, “It didn’t feel like home.”
Raighne lifts a hand to the side of my neck and brushes his thumb over my skin. “That’s because it’s not.” A frown forms on my forehead, which has him saying, “I’m your home. Your place is with me.”
“My mother didn’t seem to think so,” I mention.
“Let me handle it.” He pulls me to his chest and holds me tightly, making me sigh with relief.
Everything settles inside me, and I soak up his strength like a dry sponge while listening to the rushing of the waterfall and chirping birds in the trees.
After a long while, Raighne pulls back then asks, “Want to see your new home?”
“Your house?” I ask as I glance in the direction of the village.
“Our house,” he corrects me.
When he starts to walk, I fall in beside him. “Are you sure about having me stay with you?”
He lets out a snort and gives me a don’t-ask-me-a-stupid-question look.
“Just checking,” I mutter.
“I have to warn you, the place isn’t big. It’s a simple three-bedroom,” he mentions, looking a little nervous.
I take hold of his hand and weave our fingers together, then say, “I don’t care.” My eyes meet his. “As long as I’m with you, nothing else matters.”
The nervousness fades from his face, and we walk in silence for a while before I admit, “It’s weird. It’s only been four or five months since you came to get me, yet it feels like years have passed.”
“A lot has happened,” he replies before gesturing at a house situated next to a huge, very old looking tree. “That’s home.”
There’s a knee-high wall around the yard that someone has been tending to since there are flowers and it’s not overgrown with weeds.
Feeling nervous, I wipe my palms on my hips while my eyes dart over Raighne’s home.
There’s no key, and he just pushes the front door open.
“You didn’t lock up while you were away?” I ask, my tone filled with surprise.
“We don’t have to lock our doors on Vaalbara. Crime isn’t a problem here,” he replies as he waits for me to step inside.
“Right,” I whisper as I enter.
I glance around the living room, which has chairs like the ones that were in my tent. There’s a coffee table with fresh flowers in a vase.
“Someone expected you home,” I mention as I move closer to the kitchen, where an oven stands near a back door. There’s also a big oak table with six chairs that have patterns carved into them .
“We take care of each other's homes while someone’s away,” Raighne explains.
“It’s nice that you’re all neighborly,” I whisper as I peek into a bedroom where a large bed fills half the space.
“This is your home now, Alchera. Don’t feel uncomfortable.”
My eyes dart to his face, and seeing the love he has for me shining in his gaze, I relax a little.
“Everything’s just new,” I explain.
He takes a deep breath then says, “I’m going to give you some alone time and head up to the palace to tell your mother you’re with me so she won’t worry.”
I nod. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”
When Raighne leaves, I take a seat on one of the chairs and stare at a painting of a forest that’s up on the wall.
Knowing I’m in Raighne’s house, I start to relax, and I pull my legs under me as I curl into the seat.
My thoughts don’t return to the past, but instead, I begin to wonder about a future with Raighne. Now that my destiny has been fulfilled, do I dare dream of living a peaceful life with him?
Will the chosen ones be able to adapt to their new lives?
Will I?
Only time will tell.
Just as I start to dose off, I feel the air warm around me while the wind rips at my clothes.
“I always thought she was the most beautiful sister until I saw you.”
I follow Ares’ gaze to where he’s looking up at Thana.
She’s hovering high in the sky, her arms lifted toward the heavens above that are churning with eery-looking clouds. They paint the sky in so many different colors I can’t begin to describe them all. But it feels deadly.
My lips part with shock as I watch an asteroid begin to enter the atmosphere. It turns the clouds into a blazing inferno, looking like a storm from hell is about to be unleashed on us.
“We need to get out of here,” Ares says, his tone strained, then I hear Thana’s voice sounding drained of all life, “You have to get them to safety, Alchera. I can’t hold out much longer.”
I quickly glance around me and see a house in the distance. The sound of a baby crying is carried to me in the wind.
“Save them,” Thana sobs.
I fall off the chair and land on my hands and knees. Shaking my head, my mouth is dry, and my heart thunders against my ribs.
“What happened?” I hear Raighne’s voice.
“Just a dream.” I climb to my feet, and hurrying out of the house, I pray to all that’s holy he’ll hear me as I think, “Ares, I need you.”
“Alchera!” Raighne’s voice thunders through my mind, and I start to run. “Don’t you fucking dare.”
A moment later, Ares appears near me, and he holds out his hand. As I grab hold of him, I think of the area where Thana is, and the next second, we shimmer away from Vaalbara.
“Alchera!” Raighne shouts when we appear on Earth.
“I’m sorry. I’ll be back soon.”
“Come back right now,” he demands, his tone tense with worry and anger.
Ignoring him, I glance around us. The area is pretty much deserted except for a few houses in the distance and a man kneeling in the dirt, give or take a thirty yards from us.
“I always thought she was the most beautiful sister until I saw you,” Ares says, drawing my attention away from the kneeling man.
I look at where Thana hovers in the sky, and hoping she can hear me, I think, “I’m here. I’ll save them.”
“Please,” she begs. “I can hear them crying. They’re so scared.”
Ares must’ve been listening in on our thoughts because he asks, “Who are we saving?”
I point to the house that’s familiar from my vision. “They’re over there.”
When I hear the kneeling man groaning, “Thana,” my head snaps to him.
Realizing it’s Phoenix, I run to his side, but what I find shocks the living hell out of me. His skin is gray and riddled with cracks where it looks like lava is moving beneath the surface. His eyes are glazed over white as he stares up at Thana.
“Oh my God,” I gasp, but before I can touch him, Ares grabs my hand and stops me.
“Fuck,” Raighne’s groan echoes through me, telling me he can see what I see.
With a shake of his head, Ares says, “We can’t help him. Thana’s burning through him.”
“No,” I whisper as I look up at where my sister is hovering, her light so bright it stings my eyes.
“We can’t save them, Alchera,” Ares says, his tone urgent. “We have to leave.”
“Listen to Ares,” Raighne begs. “Get out of there. Now!”
“No,” I shake my head. “I’m not leaving without the children,” I say as I tighten my grip on Ares’ hand. “Take me to the house.”
He instantly shimmers us closer to the house, the area around it looking like a farm with corn stalks reaching above my head. The moment we appear I hear a baby crying, and not thinking of my safety, I shove the front door open and hurry inside.
I find a boy who can’t be older than fourteen, huddling in the living room with three toddlers and a baby. His eyes are wide with fear as he stares at us.
Shit, there’s no glamor to make us look human.
“We’re here to help,” I say as I move closer to them. “You have to come with us.”
“It’s not safe,” the boy argues, his terrified gaze darting between Ares and me. “Our parents left to get help and never came back.”
“Are these your brothers and sisters?” I ask.
He shakes his head, looking like he’s about to cry. “I’m just babysitting them.”
“We’ll take you to a safe place,” I say, keeping my tone as gentle as I can.
“You can’t, Alchera,” Raighne begs. “They’re not chosen.”
“I don’t care,” I mutter to him. “I have to do this.”