The following dream took place between two and three o’clock last night. It is the most vivid dream to date. There is no doubt in my mind that the following event will transpire tomorrow night.
The Fire-Mage will die in the midst of battle. Her death will infuriate her followers. It is crucial that she succumbs to death at the hands of the Realm, otherwise the revolution will not take place. If she lives, the rage of her family, and followers will not dawn a new era between mages and humans.
Frankie
Cecilia folded up the letter. How could she tell Kenneth and Jack of Frankie’s vision? They would try to prevent it. This was the reason the Fire-Mage’s involvement was so crucial to the whole plan. She must die in order for the revolution to transpire.
Standing up, Cecilia walked over to the fireplace, which had been kindling for the last hour. Without thinking, she threw the letter into the flames and watched it curl and catch alight. Soon, it was nothing more than ashes.
A knock on her office door half an hour later signified the arrival of her next appointment. A woman had contacted H.W.L just yesterday, asking to meet with Cecilia. This was not uncommon. Many Mages had travelled to Concord City over the last week, eager to join forces with the Fire-Mage. Word had spread far and wide with Cecilia’s instruction.
‘Come in,’ she called to the person on the other side of the door.
The door creaked open, and a wisp of a woman entered the room. She was very thin, with mousy brown hair, and high cheekbones. She wore a conservative white dress, which covered her wrists and ankles.
‘Hello,’ Cecilia smiled warmly, turning away from the fireplace.
‘Are you Cecilia Pinchmidt?’ asked the woman in a soft voice. Her eyes were wide and fearful. She didn’t completely enter the room. Instead, she stood in the doorway so only half of her body was visible.
‘Yes, that’s me,’ Cecilia smiled, taking a step across the room. ‘What can I do for you?’
The woman licked her lips nervously. ‘I heard my husband joined your association. My name is Anya Redding.’ Anya stepped away from the door, opening it completely and revealing a small child. ‘And this is my human daughter, Helena.’
Chapter Thirty-One
Whispers
AVALON REDDING
‘What did I tell you?’ Fae whispered to me. We sat by the fire’s side, talking in hushed voices. Fae was consoling me, with one arm wrapped around my shoulders. The others were fast asleep, unaware that Fae and I were awake at this late hour.
I hadn’t been able to sleep; my mind was plagued with thoughts and images that churned my stomach. Fae had awoken and found me sitting alone, by the fire.
She had proved to be a good friend, and was always happy to lend an ear. At the moment, however, her attitude was a little smug. She had seemed pleased when I told her of Jack’s betrayal, though she hid it well.
‘What?’ I asked as I wiped my running nose on the edge of the knitted shawl. Fae had put it around my shoulders, despite the fact that I did not feel the cold. I figured it was a friendly protocol, in order to comfort someone who was upset. I was thankful, regardless.
‘Men,’ she said. ‘You can’t trust them.’
‘You’re not going to say I told you so, are you?’ I grumbled.
Fae smirked. ‘Would that make me a bad friend?’ she asked.
I sighed. ‘No. I guess you were right.’
Fae rested her cheek on my shoulder and squeezed me comfortingly.
‘Men will lie to get what they want,’ she whispered. ‘You cannot trust anything they say.’
I shifted uncomfortably. I knew what Fae was doing. She was trying to turn me against men in general. I still cared for Jack deeply; nothing was going to change that. But I felt hurt and betrayed, and everything Fae whispered into my ear made sense, and fuelled my hatred.
She was trouble, in that way. Fae enjoyed changing people’s minds to her own way of thinking. I’d learned that about her, so it was important to be mindful of what she said. Her intentions were good, though. She only wanted to protect me from hurt, however, I recognised when she was becoming manipulative.
‘Jack was different,’ I said after a long while in silence. ‘He talked about living together. I thought-’ I broke off, mid sentence, stopping myself from saying what had been buzzing through my mind all day. I thought he was the one.
‘Don’t worry about him,’ said Fae, waving a hand. ‘There are far better people out there for you. Those who respect your Power, and admire your strength.’
I glanced at Fae out of the corner of my eye, wondering what she was implying.
‘Just take a look at the followers you have gained since returning to England,’ said Fae, squeezing my shoulders. ‘They are all willing to put their lives on the line for you.’
Honestly, I didn’t care about them. All I cared about was Jack.
‘Tomorrow we will reach the Realm and fight for justice,’ said Fae. Her change of topic didn’t work. All I could think about was Jack.
‘I wish I could talk to him right now,’ I sighed.
Fae narrowed her eyes. ‘Who? Jack?’