“For an old lady, Aggie is a damn ninja,” Greyson groans.
“I need food.” I push open my door, but when I hop out, I sway on my feet. “Fuck.”
“Get back in the SUV, Beth. I know what you want. You’re still weak and depleted.” Raven points a finger at me.
“Fine. I’m not feeling great, but let’s not announce I’m weak right now in public. That’s like asking for us to be attacked.” I climb back in and lean back against the headrest.
“You’re right. That was a dumb thing to say. I’ll be right back.” She turns to Kira. “Want to help? There’s going to be a lot of it.”
“Sure.” Kira hops out of the car, and they walk into the empty store.
Greyson hesitates before opening his door and rounding the car. He glances both ways, scanning the area before grabbing the pump. I glance out the windshield and grin. An old woman I would recognize anywhere is hobbling toward Greyson with a walking stick in one hand.
“Um, Greyson?” I call out the window too late.
Her cane flies through the air like a torpedo straight for Greyson’s head. Greyson ducks the stick just in time and jumps back.
“Shit, why?” Greyson shouts.
“Dumb male. Dumb. Dumb. Dumb,” Aggie sings.
“Aggie, what?” I ask. “Why is he dumb?”
I gingerly get out of the car and sway as I make my way to her. Aggie holds out a hand to me and I clasp her hand in mine. Magic pulses through me in waves, clearing my mind and curbing the drain on my magic.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t choose. You can’t choose.” Her lip wobbles briefly as I gasp.
“I knew it wasn’t that easy. I already chose saving the world over and over. Why do I keep having to prove myself like this?” I take a step back.
“There’s always a choice,” Aggie whispers. “Yours hasn’t come yet but it will soon.”
“Well, that’s not comforting at all.” My shoulders slump.
“Beth, you should be resting… Oh shit.” Draven jumps away from Aggie.
Her walking stick flies through the air behind Draven’s back.
“Draven? Duck,” I say a second too late.
There’s a loud thud followed by Draven’s grunt as he falls to his knees on the street.
“You need to be stronger,” Aggie hisses. “You will need strength and reflexes for what’s to come.”
“I can’t exactly get stronger in a day.” Draven rubs the back of his head, only for Aggie to whack him again.
“Not that. After. You’re important to the world. You must get stronger,” Aggie babbles.
“Oh shit, more prophecies? Can’t we catch a break?” I throw my arms up.
“Not you.” Aggie shakes her head. “Your story is almost complete. Him. Them.”
She points an accusatory finger at Draven, then Greyson. She swings her stick low, and Greyson isn’t quick enough to jump away from the stick that cracks him in the shins.
“Argh. How are we supposed to survive another war if you’re always beating the shit out of us, Aggie?” Greyson rubs his shins.
“Must get stronger,” she babbles.
