The voice that encompassed my mind was relentless, not giving me a moment of peace. I knew where she wanted me to go, but despite her orders, I sat here, putting it off.
My vision roamed the orange horizon for any sign of my mother. Searching through the faded, pink clouds for a glimpse of my sister’s soul. I prayed for a sign that they were okay beyond the veil.
“I am not ready to die yet, but soon I will join you,” I cried out to the heavens as the last glowing beam of sun sank away into the depths of the ocean.
“Come to me. The stars will soon light up the sky.”
“No.” Staying crouched in the sand, I rubbed the singed skin on my arm.
I couldn't stop thinking about the look of betrayal on Sebastian's face. If I somehow survived this, I didn't know if he’d ever look at me the same.
“Do not fight the sacrifice.”
“Maybe if you told me the purpose of this damn sacrifice then I wouldn't be so reluctant,” I replied to the nothingness.
“You can stop this.”
Palms opened to the heavens, I shouted in disbelief, “Stop this? I'm the reason for all of this!”
“You can put it off no longer. Doing so risks too much.”
I pondered the goddess’ words, knowing that she was right, but not wanting to admit it. If I didn't fulfill the prophecy, more people I cared about may die, and I’d never forgive myself if I lived and they didn't. I’d already done enough damage in this deranged world of ache and betrayal.
The sun had dissipated and the sky had turned navy. I’d been sitting here too long. Soon enough, someone was bound to find me. Maybe they’d kill me before the prophecy did, which somehow frightened me even more than the alternative.
Everyone was counting on my death, though they didn’t know it. All those who gave me the cold shoulder when they learned of my gift, would soon be thanking my memory for saving their lives. All the horrible, twisted comments people said about me, would soon be replaced with words of praise.
Although she said it was not my death I needed to fear, maybe Blythe meant that as a reminder that I will be remembered when I am beyond the veil. Or maybe she meant that it would be quick and painless. Who knew.
I picked at some dried blood on my wrist, wondering which of my rivals it belonged to.
“Stop wasting time, Maeve.”
“Get up.”
“Move.”
I took my helmet from beside me and shook the sand off before securing it over my head. My feet reluctantly pulled me to a stand, my nerves for what was about to come making my bones shake. Forcing my legs to work, I left the safety of the shore and made my way back up the cliffside, climbing and clawing at the stones to pull my body weight up the ledge.
“Good. Come to me. You can stop this.”
“So I've been told,” I panted sardonically as I threw myself over the edge and onto grass.
The castle came back into view when I stood up, andholy shit.
Blazing flames and their corresponding smoke created a haze for as far as I could see. The castle was only a wavering shadow, masked by destruction. Red clouds coated the sky, and the air smelled exactly how it had in my vision, making me gag.
My pulse quickened as I continued on, submerging myself in the fate I'd been in denial of for so long. As I got closer to the castle itself, shrieks of the tortured became audible. I swallowed the fear over who those victims may be, assuring myself that those I cared for were safe.
“They are. For now. Come to me, my star.”
Though my breathing was shallow, I marched on. With the haze of smoke clouding my field of vision, I relied on my other senses to take me where I was needed.
Apparently, my other senses were shit.
I didn't get far before I was met with a glinting, silver blade directed at my throat. I jumped back, pulling my dagger instinctively, as it was easier to unsheathe than my sword.
A male soldier came into view—a Draemornian, based on his armor. Their protective gear was much like ours, but black instead of the deep silver metal we wore. The onlyreason I was able to see him was thanks to a crack of light that flashed every few seconds—the result of another soldier's magic.
