A Hero of Realms(3)

“What is he going to do?” I managed.

Corrine shook her head. “He wasn’t sure.”

How could he be sure? From what the oracle told us, I had no idea where he would even start—if there even was any place to start—or whether he would just come to accept what she had claimed was his destiny.

I felt sick to my stomach as Corrine wrapped an arm around my waist and helped me to my feet. Still not steady enough to stand, I clung to her as we left the beach and entered a familiar clearing behind the jetty.

Emotions overwhelmed me. I already felt like I was in mourning for Ben. And I hated myself for it—that I could give up all hope so easily. I just didn’t know where to draw hope from when every door around us seemed to be shut.

I could barely pay attention to Corrine’s words. She muttered something about taking me to my family. She vanished us again, and we reappeared in the center of some kind of town square.

“This is The Vale,” Corrine said in a hushed tone. “The humans’ residences.”

She led me across the square and toward a townhouse near a fountain. A warm light was emanating from one of the windows. She knocked softly on the door and waited.

A woman wearing pajamas answered the door. A human, I could tell by the scent of her. She had long, straight black hair and was apparently in her mid-thirties. Her eyes shifted from me to the witch.

“Corrine?” the woman said, sounding surprised.

“Anna,” the witch replied. “I’m so sorry to disturb you at this time of night.”

“Where have you been?” Anna interrupted, moving forward and clasping Corrine’s shoulder. “Ibrahim has been going insane with worry. He’s searched for you everywhere. We all have.”

“I was trapped in The Oasis,” Corrine replied. “I got caught and, well… it’s a long story. I’m sure there will be time for me to give you the full explanation, but for now, I wondered if you know where River’s family is being housed on the island?”

“Oh, yes.” A smile broke out on Anna’s face, her eyes falling to me again. “We actually offered to take them into our own home. We cleared out two of the bedrooms upstairs. Your mother and siblings are up there sleeping right now.”

Corrine let out a sigh of relief. “Perfect,” she said. The witch looked back down at me with kind, sorrowful eyes. “Are you okay to go with Anna now?”

I nodded, my throat too tight to answer.

Anna reached for my hand and took it, leading me inside the house.

“Good night, Corrine,” she said.

“Good night,” the witch replied, before vanishing from the spot.

Anna closed the door.

“How are you feeling?” she asked. “Would you like something to drink? Are you hungry?”

I was relieved that she didn’t start asking me about my time in The Oasis. I could have done with some water, but I was in no mood for anything at all. I shook my head.

“Thanks,” I croaked.

“Okay,” she said. She led me up the staircase to a spacious landing. She pointed to two doors—one directly in front of me, and one at the end of the corridor on the right-hand side.

“Your mom and sisters are in this one, and your brother is in the room on the right. His room is pretty small, but there’s room for another mattress in your mom’s room. I suggest you go in there.”

“Okay.”

She moved to the door in front of us, and knocked. I could hear the sounds of my family sleeping. I should’ve felt happy at the thought of seeing their faces again. But I just felt numb.

Anna knocked more loudly when nobody answered. “Nadia?” she called.

There was the creak of a mattress, and then the door opened. My mother stood before us in a lilac nightie, her hair tied in a braid that hung down one shoulder. “River!” she gasped before smothering me in a hug.

Anna went about arranging for another mattress and more bedding to be brought into the room. It was her husband, Kyle—a kind-looking man with grey-peppered hair—who helped her carry it all inside. My mother thanked them profusely before they bid us goodnight and left us alone.

My sisters had woken up during the shuffle, and as I sank down on my mattress, the three of them gathered around me. They asked me dozens of questions—what had happened? Why was I back? Would I stay? I answered them as patiently as I could while giving the least amount of detail.

“Let’s get some rest now,” my mother said, apparently sensing my mind was someplace else. “We’ll have plenty of time to talk in the morning.”

She kissed my forehead before ushering my sisters back into bed. Then she switched off the lights, plunging the room into darkness.