Shifted Fate Novel

Chapter Twenty Seven I started up the stairs and finally pushed out of the tunnel into what I could only describe as a shallow cave .

It was cut into a cliff , but there were no cliffs by my fathers pack Where are we ? My flashlight cut across the stone and I moved out toward the entrance .

I slid out and somehow , I was at the edge of the sea .

Waves crashed before the lip of the cliff , and I could see stairs cut into the left side heading up .

So I followed .

I walked up , slowly and carefully , mist hitting my face , I screamed as my foot slipped on some slick moss and I windmilled my arms to catch my balance .

I pulled myself up to the top of the cliff , and there , at the edge of a clearing , was a small cottage that faced the sky .

It was stunning .

This is impossible .

Only if you think magic is a thing of myth .

Megans voice sounded , and I nodded .

We followed the short path to the door and I pushed in .

The world shifted , and it was like I was seeing one thing with one eye and something different with the other .

One hand , the cabin looked perfect .

Everything was intact .

Icould walk in and see every piece of furniture and every dust mote as it danced by .

On the other , the cabin was a burnt shell of its former glory .

The runes that lay- tattered were charcoal black and crumbling .

I pushed in through the wood door with a soft creak and kicked up a cloud of smoke and debris .

This dual vision was splitting in my mind .

Whats going on ? How is this possible ? I pushed my way through the front room , feet squeaking on clean floors , and stumbling over rocks .

If either of you says magic again , I might scream .

Two sets of laughter followed my threat , and I knocked my hand against my temple .

And the clean , perfect , homey cabin disappeared .

Leaving behind the burnt shell of a home , For that , I think you will have to ask the woman that sent you here .

Only she will tell you .

Nix settled as the air wavered in front of me and the homey , plush living room was back .

Only this time , there was laughter .

Come , my darling boy , where did you go ? Gran has you .

A dark haired , blue eyed boy with two missing front teeth ran into the room from the kitchen and a stunningly beautiful woman followed suit .

Her face held no wrinkles , but her hair was turning gray .

I was looking at how I would have looked after I made it a few hundred years .

Her eyes met mine , and she froze .

The boy disappeared up the stairs , but she walked closer and raised her hand to cup my face .

How ? Places hold memories .

Her voice wavered .

You are stunning , my girl .

Im sorry I wont be able to meet you in person , but I want you to know I love you with everything lam .

You know who I am ? You think I wouldnt recognize my babe ? Children of my line have my spark , and like recognizes like .

She leaned in .

You have had a hard road so far , but everything can be remade stronger .

Roots can grow deeper .

Paths change and grow .

Your home is … Gone but not gone .

What you see now is just a memory burned into the very ground I worked with my blood and tears .

The runes , the husk , are what is truly left .

A sad testament to the love that burned here .

What happened to it ? How am I on a cliff by the sea , hundreds of miles away from the pack house ? I was never a pack animal , preferring my solitude .

But magic can fold the very fabric of space , connecting one spot to another .

I was able to have my solitude , but also my family .

She turned away and trailed her hands along the furniture and it all flickered , turning to ash in her wake She twirled , kicking un a clen +25 BONUS Chapter Twenty Seven my mouth to breathe .

As to what happened here ? It was the night of the attack .

I felt wolves breach our borders , and I ran to save them .

I fought to keep this space closed off , but as I fell , so did my defences and someone found my tunnel .

She walked over and sat at the fireplace .

The cabin flickered back into life , fire roaring and laughter coming from the stairs .

I watched as the person ransacked any home , and while your father was taking care of the pack , my house was burned .

1 watched a tear fall .

Im sorry .

Dont be darling girl .

They didnt find what they were looking for .

What you are looking for .

Now come , time is short and you have too much to learn .

She waved me over and patted a stone .

I placed my hand on it and there was a flash .

The stone was gone , and under it was a book .

Hurry , someone is hunting you and I cant block him for long .

You need to protect yourself .

Then , once again , I was alone , and the cabin , that was once so full of love , was just a crumbling rune .