“I do.” Ellyn’s chin lifted. “The plan is set. I can only pray to the fates that the things we’ve put into place will bring about the end we need, that they’ll fulfill their side of the bargain.”
“I wish I could see what happens.” Tears trickled down my aunt’s ruddy cheeks. “In this, everything’s much too blank.”
“Because there are too many paths yet to follow. Trust. It’s all I can do.”
Vera kissed Ellyn on the forehead and stared into her eyes for a very long time before she nodded. “You’re brave. Braver than I could be.”
“The love I have . . . I happily give everything I am to make sure they have a chance.”
“We could board a ship and flee.” Vera’s feverish voice rang out. “I’m sure the king of—”
“You saw what could happen if we leave.”
“Danger awaits them on every path they follow.”
“But not the death you’ve seen if we continue onthispath.”
“Leaving the continent holds many futures.” Vera swiped at her eyes. “They don’t all contain death.”
“I cannot risk them. Please do this final thing for me. Everything else is in place.” She smiled down at her baby. “So precious. So small. Yet with so much potential.” Her head lifted. “It’s time. Bring him to me.”
My aunt sucked in a breath and released it before she jerked out a nod. Turning, she walked over to the door, opening it, and gestured for someone to enter.
A small boy walked through the gap, his gaze only on the woman lying in the bed.
“Mummy.” With the smile I’d seen on the man I loved, he raced over to the bed and climbed onto it, settling to lean into his mother’s side, gazing up at her with complete adoration.
My breathing stuttered.
The infant wasnotVexxion. Not now and not in the other vision.
“This is your sister, Vexxion,” Ellyn said.
Sister?I barked. Vexxion has a sister?
“Isn’t she pretty?” she said, stroking her son’s dark hair.
He nodded, gazing raptly at the swaddled baby who peered toward him, cooing. His fingertip traced down her cheek like a tear she had not yet shed.
I suspected she’d wear many.
“Love her, because I won’t be there for her.” Sobs choked Ellyn’s words. “When it’s time, she’ll remind you, and then you’ll know.” She looked up at Vera. “Do it. Please. I cannot bear this any longer.”
“Come, little one.” Aunt Vera held out her hand toward Vexxion. “Now that you’ve met her, your mother needs to rest.”
I’ll rest forever soon,Ellyn said in my mind.For now, it’s wonderful to see him and my daughter together. I’m grateful I could share this memory with you because you’ll know what to do.
Who is she?I barked.Who?
My aunt took Vexxion to the door, stooping down in front of him and holding his arms before he left. He looked up at her, and she whispered a spell I couldn’t make out.
His gaze went blank, and he turned and left the room.
“It’s done,” Aunt Vera said. “He won’t remember his sister until he’s reminded.”
“Thank you,” Ellyn said. “There’s only one thing left for you to do, and then you can hide.”
“Hiding’s not part of my future, but I’ll do all I can to make this easier for them. I promise you this.” She walked back over to the bed and held out her hands. “They will treat her well. They will love her. I’m sorry I can’t see more than that.”
