Page 82 of Where Darkness Falls

He doesn’t look away as he answers. “Yes. I’m sorry I’m not of much help. However, it would seem that he only desires to share his ‘plans’ with you.”

I nod my head, running my fingers through my waves that are now matted from sleep and travel.

My hands are clammy as I ponder all of the possibilities as to what the king desires from me.

Does he wish to mold me into a weapon like Emyr?

Would he force me to hurt an innocent person?

I still don’t understand why I’m the one to awaken the Na Fíréin. Surely, there is someone more suited to the task than myself.

As if hearing my thoughts, Emyr whispers, “There’s nothing to fear. I’ll be with you the entire time.”

I’ll be with you too, my dear,Saoirse’s voice echoes across my mind.

If that’s true, where have you been the last few days?I ask.

Saoirse hasn’t uttered a word since Delerauh until this morning, despite my attempts to speak with her.

Resting,she replies.

Why do you need to rest?I inquire.

To build up my strength for when you need me the most,she says.

How will you know when I need you, Saoirse?I ask.

I don’t,she replies.But I need to be prepared for when that day comes… I have a premonition that it’ll be soon, my dear.

Suddenly, I feel woozy. What’s going to happen?I ask.

I wish I knew, my dear. However, the pull I feel toward you is growing stronger. I fear it won’t be long,she replies.

I’ve also noticed my connection to the strange voice is stronger lately. However, I just assumed it was because I figured out how to recognize her presence in my mind. What if all of this is just to prepare me for the dark days she constantly speaks of? And what is her role in all of this?

Don’t fret over what is yet to happen, dearest Maeva,Saoirse coos.When you need me most, I’ll bring you home.

Her comment reminds me of the words Gawain whispered in my ear at Delerauh:

“Come to the ruins when you’re ready. The voice will guide you home to us.”

Was he talking of the ruins that Emyr brought me through on our journey to the palace?

Why the secrecy? And where ishome?

Is it the same one that Saoirse just spoke of?

Who is he referring to when he mentionsus?

“Maeva, are you alright?” Emyr asks. His eyes roam over me with such curiosity, and I wonder if he can hear my racing heart or see the sweat pooling in my palms.

I offer him a tight-lipped smile. “Yes, I’m sorry. I just get lost in my thoughts sometimes,” I reply.

It’s as close as I can get to the truth without it being a complete lie.

There are so many mysteries and secrets that surround me. A few weeks ago, I was just a Null living in Aurelius with a family and a shop.

How drastically my life has changed…