Page 67 of Touched

Did the Trahan brothers breach the wards?

* * *

Shoving a few of my belongings into the small satchel I’m able to carry with me as I fly, I look around my room one last time. Pressure builds behind my eyes as Cyrus has a heart to heart with me.

I have to go to Callum.

I want to go to Callum.

“Aeris!”Ma shouts. “A troll named Trevor is at the wards asking for you!”

I gasp. “Trevor? He’s here?”

Da is behind Ma. “You know him?”

I nod. “He’s a friend of Callum’s Grams.”

Da’s voice is tense. “A friend sent word he’s there. The Elders are having a meeting, but if they find out about this…”

“They won’t. I’ll go now.” I reply swiftly, quickly looking around our home once more. Tears fill my eyes.

A warm hand grabs mine, covering it and lightly squeezing. “I remember when I left home. I was emotional. Excited,” Ma softly says, “but emotional.”

I squeeze her hand back. “I know I’m meant to be with him. To help him defeat the Rougarou, Ma. But I’m nervous.”

“As you should be, Aeris.” Ma stands in front of me, looking me square in the eyes. Her hand squeezes mine, once more, before she releases it to cup my shoulders. “We are with you. You are our daughter, and we love you. Callum is your Kindred. The Fates have decided.” She sighs and I hear the fear within the ragged breaths. “But like Da said, this is all bigger thanyou… Bigger thanus.”

“Buthow? Do you know what’s happening, Ma?” My voice elevates.

She shakes her head. “No. Not really. I’m not an Elder. I do know the Rougarou are bad news. And there have been rumblings for years of their plans to take over the human world… and ours. I believed they were embellished. Just stories… to keep us from leaving Laric. To protect us. But now… I’m not so sure.”

Dropping the pack, I fling my arms around Ma. Unsure if this will be the last time I see her, I hug her tightly. My heart gallops within my chest.

I’m heading out to the great unknown.

This could very well be the last time I’ll be in my home.

If not forever… for a very long time.

Da clears his throat, pulling me from the moment of comfort in Ma’s arms. “It would be best for you to go soon, Aeris… You can’t dally. With a troll at the wards… it will draw attention. If you’re going, you need to go,” Da says.

Looking into his face, I nod. His eyes crinkle with weariness. His lips are tight with worry. I can’t stop myself from rushing to him and throwing myself into his arms. “I’m sorry. This is my fault. I left Laric and met Callum… I love you, Da. I never intended to let you down.”

He holds me tight and sighs. “My dear Aeris. My adventurous, brave girl. You didn’t let me down. Far from it. Your tenacity is a gift. I just want to protect you. I’ve always wanted to protect you. But… you were meant to meet your Callum. Your Sylph Kindred. I don’t understand it, but… who am I to question the Fates?”

Pulling back, I look up, meeting his glassy eyes with mine. “Oh, Da… I don’t know how. But I’m going to help Callum stop the Rougarou. I won’t let them hurt him. Or you… any of you. Something is happening and I won’t allow them to harm Laric.”

Da smiles, looking down at me. His eyes glow with love and pride.

He’s proud of me. I haven’t disappointed him.

My heart melts. This is the first broad smile I’ve gotten from him in years. My throat thickens as he says, “I believe you will, my daughter.” Pulling me to him, he wraps his arms around me, embracing me tightly. Curling into his strength, I inhale the scent that has always been him. Love fills my chest and I know that I’m doing the right thing. Pulling back, he looks into my eyes once more before releasing me. He nods. “Now, you need to go. Get through the wards before the queen and Elders convene.”

Sniffling, I quickly say my goodbyes. Cyrus grabs my pack, handing it to me with a careful look. After one last peck on the cheek to Ma and Da, Cyrus accompanies me to the wards.

“You trust this troll?” Cyrus carefully asks.

“Trevor?” He nods and I smirk. “He’s quite an individual. But, yes, I trust him, Cy.” My brow rises as I answer him.

---