See How She Awakens (The Chronicles of Izzy #4)(38)
“No,” I half laughed.
“If you will excuse me, I have some matters to attend to.” Mona stood, exiting the room. Obviously trying to give Aberto and I time alone.
“You will survive this as you have survived all trials past.” Aberto’s jaw clenched. I knew he couldn’t be sure what would happen. None of us were.
“If Eleanor must stop me, do not interfere. Promise.” I knew him. He’d do everything in his power to keep me from harm. If I didn’t make him swear it, all bets were off.
“I am unable to make that promise. Do not ask that of me.”
“Then you must do it yourself. End me if the darkness becomes too much.” I clasped his hand in mine before pressing on, “You once accused Kennan of being selfish, of keeping me from my destiny. You would be acting out of the same selfishness if you don’t stop me. I’ve seen what I will become. There is no trace of the person you love left in her. Don’t let that be my legacy, Aberto. If you truly do love me, you will keep me from that fate.” I pleaded with him. I needed to know I wouldn’t be left to ruin, to destroy all I held dear.
“I swear it.” Aberto’s eyes latched onto mine. His oath was binding, an eternal thing.
“Thank you.” I pressed my lips to his cheek before standing. I wanted to be alone, to prepare myself for what I would be facing the next day. The Council, in all their crazy glory, awaited me. Destiny was such a bitch.
“You will endure,” he promised.
“Aberto, I have a question. Can I be killed now?” I wanted to be sure there was some way to stop me if I fell, but the whole me dying thing was still a bit dicey. With his soul living in me, and him being cursed to walk the earth for an eternity, it was little murky.
“There are always loopholes in the fabric of our reality.” Once again, he didn’t really answer my question. “It will not come to that.”
I wasn’t quite sure who he was trying to convince more, me or himself. Either way, the next day would hopefully tell us all we needed to know.
The group assembled the next morning, ready to face the darkness head on. I felt like I was the only one still unsure of the plan.
“Remember, they will not feel your presence if you remain in the dreaming, on the cusp of reality. You will be able to see them, to hear their words. Do not act until it is evident that action is necessary. Allow Izzy to do what she must.” Aberto addressed the room; his last words echoing in my mind.
“I may appear to be siding with the Council. Remember, I must gain their trust in order to ascertain what action needs to be taken. Trust me when I say this, you will know if the darkness has taken hold.” I hoped they wouldn’t mistake my actions. Hopefully, they would be able to discern the difference.
“We will wait until our presence is required,” Ian promised.
“So be it,” Aberto said, disappearing into the dreaming.
The Seers and Guardians all lowered themselves to the ground. One by one they seemed to blink from existence, leaving nothing but the shell of their bodies behind. I couldn’t travel with them. The Council would suspect something if I showed up like that.
Instead, I would make myself look as I had when I’d left the void. As far as the Council members knew, that was where I still remained. I would go to them, angry over the loss of Kennan. Revenge my motivation. Emotions I felt all too strongly.
Mona had told me to keep as close to the truth as possible. In the days we’d laid out our plan, it had become exceedingly clear that I harbored a lot of resentment and pain towards everyone involved in Kennan’s death. Though I understood what had been done, it didn’t change the all too human emotions that lingered. I wanted there to be justice for his death, for it to mean something. Though I now knew the Council was to blame, a very real part of me still felt the Order could’ve done more to prevent it. That was my motivation. Revenge was my key. I just hoped they bought it.
“Be well, my niece.” Mona embraced me tightly, her hot tears wet against my skin.
“Thank you. For all you’ve done for me. I love you.” I pulled away, holding her at arm’s length. “I need to go.”
With a nod she stepped back, and I faded into the dreaming. I had to focus, when I reappeared I couldn’t show up like I’d been when I left the Order. I had to mask the mark on my forehead, to show up as I’d been when I’d reappeared on this plane months before. The image that had stared back from the mirror came rushing forth. It was time to channel my inner swamp witch.
The dreaming rushed around me as I made my way to the Council headquarters. Fear welled up inside of me as the reality of what I was about to attempt settled upon my shoulders.
You will never convince them. You are a terrible liar. I will overtake you.
“No. You won’t.” I muttered to the darkness. I stood on the precipice of something bigger than myself. The moment I left the dreaming, the fate of the world would be determined.
Pausing to prepare myself, I conjured up every ounce of anger and betrayal I felt. Every moment from the past few years where I felt blind to the truth came rushing forward. The lies, the deceptions, the loss—I let it all wash over me. It consumed me, awakening the darkness inside. This was a precarious balancing act. My emotions had to be visceral, but I couldn’t let them overtake me and allow the darkness to reign.