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“But how?” My knees felt weak, but he grabbed my arms and steadied me.
“I sacrificed myself to Ahone, not Okeus.”
I started to cry. “I thought you…”
“I know. I wanted you to know that I’m fine. You have so much to worry about, and I don’t want you to worry about me anymore.”
My chin trembled. “Daddy, I’m so scared. I can’t do this.”
He reached up a hand and gently stroked my hair. “You can, baby. You can and will do this and so much more.”
“I’m so sorry. I should have listened to you.”
He shook his head, grabbing my face with both hands, ferocity burning in his eyes. “Everything is as it should be. You’re on a journey. Watching you face these challenges is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I have faith in you, Ellie. You will save the world.”
I shook my head. “How canIdo anything? Collin has all the answers, and he won’t share them with me.”
“Collin has his path to follow, and you have yours. Eventually, they will merge, but your journeys are separate for now.”
“I can’t do this alone.”
His smile was full of tenderness. “But you’re not alone.”
Was he referring to David? “The mark on my back is gone, and I’m unprotected. Both Ahone and Okeus have claimed me. And Okeus says I’m bound to Collin in all things, but Collin is destined to go to hell. I don’t know what to do.”
“There’s always more than one answer. I taught you that.”
I shook my head. “I know. But even if I decide to use Ahone’s mark, I’m not sure what it is.”
“Yes, you do.” He smiled and pointed up. It had grown dusky, and a star burned in the sky, growing brighter and larger until it assumed the shape of the four-pointed star.
“You must do it soon, Ellie. It’s almost too late.” His face tightened. “But the mark can only protect your manitou. It doesn’t protect you from Okeus’s plan.”
Tears clogged my throat. “You know what he wants.”
“I wish I could protect you. I’m sorry.”
“Okeus tried to trick me into agreeing to cooperate. He said you should have been home the night Momma was killed. Was he lying to confuse me?”
Pain filled his eyes. “There’s so much I regret.”
“Was she killed because of the Ricardo Estate?”
The corners of his mouth lifted slightly. “There is much for you to learn. But the watches are important.”
“The pocket watches?”
“They hold a key.”
“What is it?”
“Finding the key is part of your journey.”
I sucked in a breath, becoming frustrated. “Ukinim is coming to kill me, and Collin isn’t helping. David thinks I’m a conjurer and can banish spirits to hell on my own right. Is he correct?”
“You have more resources at your disposal but finding them is part of your path. Remember that it’s not a weakness to use them. You don’t have to do this alone.”
My eyes flooded with tears. “I miss you.”
