See How She Awakens (The Chronicles of Izzy #4)(54)

A roar sounded in the crowd as both Seers and Guardians answered the call. Even those with doubt still lingering in their eyes could feel the truth of all that had been said. Somehow, we’d done it. At least for now.

“This unity will not happen overnight. I know it will take a great deal of time to bridge the divide formed across centuries. I propose the new governing body be made up of members from both factions. I believe by having both groups represented, we will better be able to handle situations in a way that will appeal to both sides. If there are no objections, I’ve chosen Mona to represent the Order, and Eleanor to represent the Council. I will need two other pairs from each group of Seers and Guardians. This, I will leave to you to decide. This is your last act as a divided group. Make the choice and bring it to me. Once that is done, the Order and the Council will be no more. Are we in accord?”

“Aye,” sounded through the crowd.

“I will leave you to deliberate. Bring me the answer by tomorrow.” With that, Molly turned and headed back toward the building.

“Well, that went well,” Ian said, exasperation clearly evident in his voice. “How are you holding up?”

“Me?” I asked, unsure if he were talking to me or Molly.

“You. I know she is fine. She has that stubborn as a bulldog look on her face. You just had to rehash the last few years of your life. So how are you?”

“Getting better.” I smiled at Ian. “Still dealing, but that helped.”

Molly charged onward until we were all safely encapsulated in what was now her office. She practically vibrated with nervous energy as she paced around the room.

“What do you think? Did it work? Are they all on board?” Molly asked the room.

“I think they’re ready. You may have a few skeptics, but on the whole, I don’t see there being any issues.” I hoped I was right, at any rate. I wasn’t ready to fight some sort of coup.

“Izzy, I don’t think it would’ve been possible without you. You being so honest up there about everything, I think that made a huge difference.” Molly stilled as the gravity of what had transpired finally began to sink in.

“You would’ve found a way without me. I’m going to leave you to it. I’m sure you have some stuff to arrange.” Really, I wanted to be anywhere but there at the moment. I needed to get some air, some space from everyone. My memories were raw from dredging them all to the surface. They pressed in on me, leaving me claustrophobic.

“Thank you.” Molly’s voice held weight, and I wasn’t sure why. “Not for this, but for everything you’ve done.”

“It was worth it.” I smiled, heading for the door. Only to have someone intercept me.

“Izzy, I need to give you something. I think now would be a good time.” Mona said, ushering me out the door and toward her office.

“What is so important?”

“Aberto wanted me to give you something. He brought it to me two days ago and told me to wait until you were ready. You are now.” Mona headed into her room and over to a desk. As she pulled open the drawer, a heavy sense of dread settled on my shoulders. What if he was gone, and whatever she had for me was his last message to me?

As thoughts tumbled through my mind, my aunt approached me carrying a white envelope. I wasn’t sure I was ready for whatever this was. I couldn’t lose him, too. Not now, not when I needed him the most.

“Izzy, he said you needed to see this. What were his exact words?” My aunt paused, searching for the memory. “Ah, yes. Tell her this is what she sought in the shack. The answers lie within these pages.”

“The answers to what?” I asked, panic welling up, causing my body to spark purple.

“Calm down, I don’t think it is anything bad. He was here today, wasn’t he?” Mona’s reminder calmed me enough that the sparks subsided, but it still didn’t make sense.

“He showed up to keep me from face planting.” I held the letter in my hand, the weight of it doing nothing to settle my nerves.

“Izzy, just read it,” Mona implored.

“Okay, but I want to be alone.” I looked at her, hoping she understood. I didn’t want to face whatever was inside this envelope in front of any one.

“Stay here as long as you like. I’m sure Molly has something for me to do.” Mona gently patted my cheek as she passed, making her way out the door.





The door clicked shut, the sound of impending doom settling in. I wouldn’t know what was inside of the envelope if I never looked.

“Like ripping off a bandaid,” I muttered to myself as I tore into it.

A letter, just like the ones I’d found in the desert shack, lay in my hands. Aberto’s handwriting scrawled across the pages, almost frantically. Fear pulled at my chest. What if he was saying goodbye? Swallowing down the fear, I began to read.

How I wish I could warn you. Tell you of the coming days. There are moments when I almost lose focus and reveal all, but then I am reminded the cost of this knowledge would be too heavy of a burden to bear.

How could I tell you the one you love will soon be gone from this world? The last moment’s you share together would be tainted. How will you endure it? How will you bear losing your heart?

You are my heart, my soul, and to know you must endure this tears at me. I am powerless to change the fates. If I could take his place, I would. For you, I would endure anything. You deserve the world, and yet, all I offer you is pain, loss, and destruction. Everything I touch turns to ash.