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Prologue
Aiden
Two years ago
It’smylastdayat the ashram. I have mixed feelings about returning to the real world.
I know it’s time, but the secluded living here in the mountains is attractive. The cares of the world don’t reach this place.
But something is calling me to return home, and if my time here has taught me anything, it’s to honor my intuition.
I quietly enter the hall and sit in front of Master Sachinanda. He appears deep in thought and I wait, soaking up the peace and serenity emanating from this man.
Eventually, he speaks. “You’ve balanced the light and dark within you enough. You’ve tipped the scales. I am proud of you.”
Bowing my head to this man comes naturally. I was such a mess when I arrived here two and a half years ago. I can never repay everything he’s done for me.
“Always remember, there are no accidents in this universe. Every experience in your life comes to you for a reason.”
Yes, we’ve been working on this notion for a while and what I’ve learned from the things that happened in my life. Once I understood, forgiving the people involved, and more importantly myself, came easier.
He falls quiet again, reflecting. On what? Onlyheknows.
His gaze rises to meet mine before dropping to the triquetra tattoo partially visible under the vest I’m wearing.
“The power of three is woven through you. You are one petal of this intricate structure, intimately connected to the other two. For lifetimes, it’s been that way, and so it will remain until you all find a way to re-emerge as one.”
God, I hate riddles. Why not come straight out with it? Why can’t these wise men ever say it as it is? He’s clearly aware of more than he lets on.
“This triquetra is a symbol of my friendship with Axel and Ethan,” I say, placing my hand over the tattoo. After what happened, I feel more protective of them than ever. It was a miracle the three of us left that cave alive.
“It was the motivator to get the tattoo, but it goes beyond,” he states.
What is he talking about? “Beyond?” I ask.
“You will understand in time. Events are coming your way that will test you. They can go one of two ways.”
My eyebrows raise. “Don’t all things in life have the potential to go one way or another… depending on how you choose?”
“Indeed. For things to go your way, though, you will have to watch every move you make, scrutinize your decisions, even the small ones. Do not take this lightly. If you misstep, you will lose out for good… at least this time around. To that extent, you are in complete control of how it will play out.”
Master Sachinanda regards me for long seconds, as I stare at him, unsure what to make of this. It must be important, or he wouldn’t mention it.
When are these events coming my way? But I know better than to ask. I’ve tried that over the years I’ve been here, and it never worked. He’ll just smile at me graciously and tell me that when the time comes, I will understand.
“You are likely to meet a woman I know. She will help. If you reach a fork in the road, listen to her. Even if that should mean setting aside your ego.”
He smiles kindly at me. “No matter what, you will advance on your path. Now go, my son. Fulfill your destiny.”
Chapter One
Ella
Ishootuplikean arrow fired by a giant on steroids. My breath comes out in short puffs, my chest unbearably tight.
I run to Claudette’s bathroom, shakily open the toilet lid and throw up what little remained of last night’s dinner.
Every cell in my body vibrates as if I’d had too many energy drinks.
