* * * *
One of Blake’s men poked his head in.
“There’s a problem.”
I continued eating as if the man wasn’t there.
“What problem?” Blake asked, setting his fork aside.
“They’ve found the fighter.”
It had been days since I sent the letter. Plenty of time for her to receive and listen to what I’d written. I struggled to contain every hint of my regret.
“And?” Blake asked.
“Not our men. The locator, the controller, the provider, and the dreamer.”
Though they knew the names of the ones already found, the Urbat refused to use them. They only ever used my name.
I lifted my napkin just as Blake picked up his plate and heaved it against the wall. The bits of broken china and food bounced off the material I held in front of my face. Calmly, I set the napkin aside. I didn’t touch my food again.
“Olivia, back to your room.”
“Yes, Father.”
* * * *
It took over another week before I felt the next shift in our world.
I was just stepping into Blake’s office when the swirling grey around me changed suddenly, and I stumbled in the abrupt stillness. Without their movement, I couldn’t see the real world.
Have courage, the whisper of the Lady’s words drifted through the veil.It will all end soon.
“Olivia, what are you doing?” Blake asked impatiently. His voice didn’t change the calm of grey around me like it usually did. It was as if my companions were frozen.
“Father, I can’t see,” I said, keeping my tone respectful.
“You haven’t been able to see your entire life. It’s never prevented you from walking before.”
“I think something is happening,” I said instead of acknowledging his words.
“What do you mean? Your sisters?”
I nodded, and he made a sound of impatience.
“Tell me.”
“There’s nothing to tell. I only have a feeling.” I bowed my head as if ashamed. “I’m sorry, Father.”
“I don’t need apologies; I need information.” His shoes scuffed against the floor as he moved to his desk. The shadows of my world remained still. They’d never done that before.
“It’s something big. World changing,” I said with quiet realization.
“Without you, it can’t be world changing. Now, don’t just stand there. Sit.” His barked order echoed in his office.
Holding out my arms, I tried to recall the layout of his office and made my way to the chair before his desk.
I’m here. The words were a hissed sigh, and with them, I saw a slight movement to my left. I turned and watched Slith drift toward me. His shadow molded into the shape of a chair. Taking small steps, I walked toward him then reached for the back of the chair.
