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)
“With time, you’ll accept me,” he says as if it’s an inevitable fact I have no choice in.
Maybe it is. But right now, I’m too heartbroken and angry to care.
Lifting my hand, I rub my tired eyes. “Do you know how it feels to have your world ripped out from under you? I don’t know what’s real anymore.” I choke on a sob as my feelings overwhelm me, and I quickly wipe the tears away, feeling embarrassed for crying in front of him.
I’m stronger than this.
“All will be well.” He doesn’t give me a chance to pull away as his arms wrap around me, hugging me tightly to his chest. I feel his warmth spreading through me, and I hate that I find it soothing.
As much as I want to deny it, his touch makes me feel better, and I can’t fight it as my body relaxes against his.
With one hand, he gently caresses my back while his other arm stays firmly around my waist.
All I can do is close my eyes, rest my very confused head against his chest, and breathe in his familiar scent.
“You’re not alone in this, Alchera. I’m here for you. I’ll help you through the training. I’ll be right by your side every step of the way, no matter what happens.” He pulls back and frames my face with his hands. With his thumbs, he wipes away my tears. “Our bond is the most important thing to me, Alchera. I live for you, and I’ll die with you, but I will never leave you.”
God, then he goes and says something like that. How’s a girl supposed to stick to her guns and stay angry?
Even though I just want him to hold me, I step backward and glance around the room so I don’t have to look at him.
“I need time. This is all too much for me to deal with.”
“Okay.”
Feeling exhausted, I ask, “What happens now?”
“Your sister is outside. She’d like to see you.”
My sister.
Chapter 8
Alchera
When I follow Raighne out of the infirmarius, the sun is so bright I have to squint my eyes until they adjust.
I notice we’re in a camp of some sort, then my eyes land on a woman who doesn’t look much older than Raighne. I don’t immediately recognize her.
A glow hugs her petite frame, and she’s the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen. Staring at her golden hair and eyes, I’m at a loss for words.
She moves with such grace she seems to be gliding. Lights flicker over her skin, like fireflies dancing around her with every step she takes.
“I’ll give you some privacy,” Raighne says, but when he turns to walk away, my hand shoots out and I grab his forearm.
Even though I’ve missed my family, it’s clear a lot has changed since I was last here.
Right now Raighne feels most familiar after I spent the past two weeks with him.
Even though I’m angry, I whisper, “Stay.”
Raighne nods and takes a step closer to me.
“My talents have grown since we last saw each other,” the woman says. “I used to have blonde hair and amber eyes.”
My gaze darts nervously over the woman, and when she smiles warmly, it helps ease the tension a little.
“Peace be, Alchera. I am your sister, Thana. Brenna, Roark, and I have been waiting for your arrival with great excitement.”
Wow, she looks completely different from what I remember.
I suck in a deep breath before I say, “Hi, Thana…” An awkward-sounding chuckle escapes me. “I’m sorry. It’s a lot to take in all at once.”
I thought I would be happy to see my family, but all I feel is apprehension.
What if they don’t like me?
What if I’m a disappointment to them after being gone for so long?
What if it never feels like home again?
Thana closes the distance between us and when she hugs me, she smells like a warm summer’s day and blossoms in the spring.
I’m so scared I’ll hurt her, so I keep my touch gentle when I return the hug.
Emotions overwhelm me as we hold each other, and I feel tears sting my eyes.
My heart hurts from getting to hold my own blood again. It makes me realize how lonely I’ve been over the past five years.
“Welcome home, my sister,” she says. “May Awo’s blessings be upon you.” Thana pulls back and holds me at arm’s length, taking in my appearance. “You’re more beautiful than I remember and so grown up. It’s such a shame we can’t celebrate your birthday with you next week.”
She looks at me with so much love I can barely breathe, making my tears come hot and fast. She reaches up and wipes some of my tears away, the look on her face gentle.
Her voice is hoarse as she whispers, “I missed you too, Alchera.”
If all my family is like her, then I don’t need to worry, right?