See How She Awakens (The Chronicles of Izzy #4)(60)
As for those that abused their talents, there was now a no tolerance policy in place. If a Seer or Guardian was found abusing their gifts, they were immediately stripped of their powers and sent into exile. In the first days, many of those ceremonies had to be performed. Sadly, it seemed the Council’s reach was much further than we had initially anticipated. The darkness struggled to find a foothold even now.
What I’d become had allowed me to be in tune with the very darkness that had once tried to ruin me. I could feel it pressing in on the world and predict when it would come at us full force. A restlessness has begun to grow inside of me, and I knew it was the darkness in me. It knows the balance has been tipped in our favor, and it is afraid. As it should me.
As for Aberto and I, well that one is more complicated. It has been over a hundred years since Kennan died. I still miss him every day, but the truth of it is I’m ready to love again. Aberto has been there, by my side for a hundred years, longer even.
We were always inevitable, he and I. I wouldn’t fight it any longer. I was stronger with him by my side. He helped me be who I needed to be most. Made me want to save the world.
I loved Kennan. Nothing will ever change that. But the thing I’ve learned over the past years is we are capable of loving again, and I am finally ready to take that leap with Aberto. I can give him my heart now, knowing nothing will hold me back. Sacrifice and love had saved me, but love is what will buoy me for the rest of my very long existence.
Michelle Graves is a self-proclaimed nomad, moving every two to three years with her husband the Army man, her beautiful daughter, and a fat tailless cat named Torri. When she is not writing away trying to purge her mind of yapping characters she can be found entertaining her daughter, attempting to craft (whilst trying not to injure herself with the glue gun), baking yummy treats, or reading. She admits to having a restless spirit and forces her family to go out on adventures whenever possible. They lovingly play along.