See How She Falls (The Chronicles of Izzy #3)(38)

“What do you mean? I thought the Council was supposed to help me? Why would I be returning?”

“The truth will become clear and you will return to your aunt. You must journey this path if you hope to overcome the darkness.”

“Riddles. Why do you people always speak in riddles? Why can’t it be ‘This is point A, now journey to point B’?” I practically shouted at whomever was currently using my aunt as a voice box.

“The most important things in this life require the greatest commitments and sacrifice. If everything was easy, nothing would be worth the earning," the voice responded sardonically.

Then the possessor faded, whomever he was. I was certain it was a guy, only a man could be that infuriating.

“Okay, so I guess just keep my bed warm then. It looks like I’ll be heading back to the Council to discuss this and what is happening to me.”

“Are you sure that is wise? Are you sure you are well enough to travel?” Concern radiated from my aunt.

“No, but the big chief seems to think it is a necessary part of my journey," I moaned, bringing my hand to cover my face. “Is there any way to get your friend with the helicopter back here? More importantly, is there an easier way to get back to where that helicopter lands?”

“Of course there is. We just wanted to make sure that you could be trusted before revealing our location. Should you choose to betray us, we would’ve had time to escape.” My aunt’s smile was sly.

“Well, no betrayal will come from me. I know how much that sucks. I guess we’d better go tell Conall the plan. I’m sure he will be thrilled. Oh, and call the Council peeps. Order them in for a meeting.” I fell back against the chair, slipping into a shallow sleep momentarily.

“Izzy, we need to get going.” Kennan lifted me from the chair to be cradled in his arms.

“I can walk," I murmured sleepily.

“Not a chance. Today you don’t have to feign strength. Today, you rely on me.” Kennan kissed the top of my head and I gave up any fight that I might have had left in me.

“Okay. But I haven’t called the Council.”

“Eleanor is taking care of it. They should be there when we return. They all live fairly close to the Council headquarters. For now, rest. Save your strength. You are going to need it.”

I started thinking about everything that was left to come, and wondered how I would have the strength to get through it. I couldn’t even walk myself to a helicopter. I had to be carried. The darkness pulled at me, tempting me with the peaceful oblivion that it would provide if I only let it. There would be no more pain, no more struggle. I could give in. I could just leave this world and everything it contained, behind. I never wanted this fight to begin with.

“Stop it!” Aberto shouted from behind us. I hadn’t even seen him come back. “You will not give into this, do you understand me? You are far too strong to let them win.”

“What is he talking about, Izzy?” Kennan asked quietly as we approached the waiting helicopter.

“He was putting his nose where it doesn’t belong again. Even if he is right, and I do need to fight this.” I evil eyed Aberto, trying my best to ignore the fact that he was completely right.



“You didn’t answer me. What was going through your mind just now?” Kennan looked down on me, concern etching his face.

“I was thinking of how easy it would be to give in, to surrender to the darkness and just fade away. I’m so tired, Kennan. I’m tired of the fighting, of the running, of the never truly being safe. I’m tired of not knowing who I can truly trust. I’m tired of all of the riddles. I’m just,” I sighed heavily, “tired.”

“I know, but if you give in, what will become of us?” Kennan knew what I needed to hear to keep me on track. If it was only my life at stake, I would surrender in a nanosecond. But, it wasn’t. Everyone was looking to me to end this, to save them. I wouldn’t fail them. I wouldn’t let them down.

“That is the only thing keeping me grounded," I muttered.

We arrived at the helicopter quickly. I hadn’t even noticed the path we’d taken in the midst of my internal misery. We moved toward the helicopter, Kennan gently placing me in the seat. Within a matter of minutes he’d strapped me in tightly and climbed in to sit next to me.

Aberto followed, placing himself so that he could sit directly in front of me. Anger combined with fear masked his face, hiding whatever thoughts he had. I started to ask him what was going through his mind, when he abruptly looked up at me. His eyes were a glowing blue that I’d only seen once, the night he’d pulled Xavier’s soul from his body. Something was coming, and he knew what was about to take place. Every fiber of my being screamed to find out.

“I am not at the liberty of answering your questions.” Aberto’s eyes flamed as he looked back down at his hands. “Believe me, could I forewarn you, I would. Could I prepare you for what you must face, what you must overcome.” His voice trailed off, leaving me in a panic. What did he know? Had it been something he’d always known? What was I about to walk into back at the Council? He reached his hand out to engulf mine. “You will endure. You must.”

“Is it something you can tell me?” Kennan looked between us, concerned.

“Yes, and I fear I must. You need to know what is coming.”