Tala Prophecy: The Complete Series

by Tia Silverthorne Bach

  She waited for a reply. After a minute or so, she closed her eyes and tried again.

  “What are you doing?” Madeleine asked.

  Reagan nearly jumped out of her skin. Unsteady, she threw a hand to the closest wall to stay upright.

  “I’m sorry. You were so intense. Is everything okay?” Madeleine asked.

  “I’m looking for Jessica. Aunt Sarah doesn’t think Cheveyo has much time left. Jessica should be with him.”

  “I just saw Sam. He’ll know. Come on, I’ll help.”

  It turned out to take longer than Reagan expected, but they eventually found Sam in the library, hanging out with Sasha and Ricardo.

  “Hey, what are you ladies up to today?” Sam asked when Madeleine and Reagan came into the room.

  “Actually, I’ve been looking for Jessica. Things aren’t looking good for—”

  “She should already be there. A little bit ago, she got a weird call from him. It freaked her out, so she went to check on him,” Sam said. “Now I’m worried.”

  “Me, too,” Reagan said. “Let’s go find out what’s going on.”

  “Sasha and I will come, too,” Ricardo said.

  Cheveyo had seemed to be in a coma-like state all day, and yet he’d reached out to Jessica. Why her? Poor Winona had been keeping a bedside vigil, except when she went to handle the Donovan situation.

  Sam walked at a brisk clip and was the first to enter the room. When Reagan came to the doorway, she saw Jessica inside and breathed a sigh of relief. She and Winona were on opposite sides of the bed, and each held one of Cheveyo’s hands.

  Aunt Sarah stood at the foot of the bed.

  When Reagan made eye contact, Aunt Sarah did a slight shake of her head. Reagan went to Winona and placed a hand on her back. Nobody spoke.

  An overhead light flickered, and then Cheveyo gasped for air. His eyes fluttered open, and he tried to speak, his chapped lips sticking together.

  “Here, drink some water.” Aunt Sarah came around and offered him some from the bedside table.

  He sat up enough to get the straw in his mouth and take a sip. Aunt Sarah supported his head; she eased it back down after he swallowed.

  “Winona, Jessica,” he mumbled.

  They leaned in closer.

  Reagan could see his lips moving but couldn’t make out anything he was saying. Winona reached across the bed and took Jessica’s other hand. Flashes of Nana’s last minutes assaulted Reagan, and she prepared for what was about to happen. She wished she could do something to change it. Cheveyo, like Nana, wouldn’t be stopped.

  A smile spread across his face, and Reagan stepped behind Winona and put a hand on her shoulder, motioning for Sam to do the same with Jessica. If the scene played out like Nana, Reagan knew Winona and Jessica would need someone there to catch them. Within a few seconds, Reagan felt the air moving in the room, like someone had turned an overhead fan on high. Then, a jolt of energy tingled her palm as brightness took over her vision. She tried to focus, and soon felt the heaviness of Winona’s limp body.

  After blinking away spotty vision, the room came into view. Sam held Jessica, and Reagan propped up Winona.

  Aunt Sarah had Cheveyo’s wrist. “He’s gone.”

  ↄↄↄↄↄ

  Reagan had been sitting next to Winona’s bed for over an hour when she started to wake.

  “How are you doing?”

  “Fuzzy.” Winona tried to sit up. “I know he’s gone.”

  Helping her get situated, Reagan nodded.

  “Have you checked on Jessica?”

  “Sam’s with her.”

  She wished she had something comforting to say. At least Winona would have a chance to say goodbye. Papa had shared the news when he stopped by.

  “We’ll have a small service in the morning,” Reagan said.

  Winona’s head bobbed up and down without stopping as she stared straight ahead.

  A soft knock on the wall drew Reagan’s attention. “I’m just going to step outside for a second and speak with Sasha. If you need me, I’m close. Okay?”

  Winona didn’t react.

  “I’ll be right back.” Worried she might be in shock, Reagan slipped to the door, but never took her eyes off her sister.

  “She looks like she’s taking it pretty bad,” Sasha whispered.

  Reagan’s heart broke. She took Sasha’s hand to communicate in private. “He was her whole world. She didn’t grow up with any other family. I just hope she truly knows she has one now.”

  Sasha’s face fell with a heavy frown. “I hope she does, too. I wanted to let you know, actually let you both know, that we’ll have a ceremony for both Cheveyo and Nana tomorrow.”

  Reagan didn’t have time to digest the news, because Jessica, aided by Sam, came into view.

  “She wanted to see Winona and you,” Sam said.

  They turned the corner, and Sam lowered Jessica into a nearby chair.

  “I’m so sorry. If it hadn’t been for Donovan, for my bro…” She seemed to choke on the word. “I wish we’d at least gotten something from him, or that I knew something that would help.”

  Sam stroked her hair.

  “I was in camp for months, and I never saw anything we could use against Rafe,” she said.

  “Nana and Cheveyo have gifted us their power,” Reagan said, trying to make sense of Nana and Cheveyo’s deaths. “We also have the angel sword.”

  “I’m sick of waiting around for Rafe to come for us, to pick us off one by one. We need to strike,” Sam said.

  Sasha stepped into the room. “Maybe that’s what he wants us to do. To go off half-cocked so he can have the upper hand. I don’t know about you all, but I believe in destiny. I believe that prophecy is there for a reason. The final battle won’t happen until April. If we tempt fate, all we stand to lose are more loved ones.”

  Reagan understood both points of view. When Nana died, she wanted to hunt Rafe down and end it. Still did in many ways. But Sasha was right. Rafe wanted them reeling and acting out of grief and pain.

  “When I went running, I got lost. Nana spoke to me, although she couldn’t keep the connection for long. She told me not to lose faith. It’s hard, and I agree, Sam. I want to find the miserable excuse for a human, if that’s even what Rafe is, and be done with the games. But I trust Nana.”

  “Actually, that was the last word I heard from Cheveyo. Just before I felt his energy. He said, ‘Faith.’ Nothing else.” Winona pulled her legs into her chest as she spoke.

  Thinking of Cecilia’s last words, Reagan remembered another crucial piece. “Actually, Cecilia spoke to me, too, and she said we should contact them again when six were all we had. With Cheveyo gone, we’re down to six. Jessica, you, and me, plus Madeleine, Mom, and Aunt Sarah.”

  “Let’s get together after the ceremony in the morning. We need guidance and a plan for the next three and a half months,” Jessica said.

  Next to her, Sam looked away.

  Reagan knew her brother well enough to see his frustration.

  Looking around the room, Reagan tried to remind herself of the blessings she’d received since discovering her destiny. Her soulmate, her grandfather, a sister, and incredible friends. Even Nana. Although their time together was short, it was more than Reagan ever imagined having. Plus, she got Sam back.

  There was still a long time to play avoidance and think they wouldn’t lose anyone else. She couldn’t bear the thought, yet she understood the odds weren’t in her favor. Only in the movies did the unknown extra become the only loss, sparing all the beautiful, highly paid actors from gruesome fates. Her life was far from a movie set. She’d seen death and caused it. And it wasn’t pretty.

  “Can I come in?” Mom asked.

  “Please,” Reagan said, happy for the distraction.

  Mom walked to Winona and laid a hand on her arm. “I wanted to see how you were doing.”

  “I’m okay,” she said. “Thanks for coming.”

  “I was coming to c
heck on you next,” Mom said, looking at Jessica. “Glad to be able to check on you both at the same time. So sorry about Cheveyo.

  “I hope you guys don’t mind, but I’ve planned a holiday dinner, and a few other things, for tomorrow. We didn’t even acknowledge Thanksgiving with everything going on, and I feel like we could all use a little Christmas in our lives right now.”

  It was nice to have Mom doing what she did best: party planning and trying to make everyone happy. Only one date had been on everyone’s minds in the past months, and yet Reagan couldn’t believe they were in the thick of the holidays and nobody had paid much attention. Christmas was her favorite time of year, mainly because her mom went all out on decorations and setting the mood.

  Growing up, the holidays also brought a twinge of sadness. All Reagan’s friends would be traveling to see grandparents or have a house full of people. It was always just the four of them.

  “I know it’s going to be tough,” Mom said, breaking through Reagan’s walk down memory lane. “But Amélie, Nana, and Cheveyo would want us to remember our blessings.”

  “I’ve never had a Christmas. My mom would tell me awesome stories about her own celebrations growing up. Her favorite part was her mom’s Yule log,” Jessica said.

  “Father would bring a small tree into our home and decorate it with things from outside, and then he’d give me a handmade bracelet or a new sweater. He said my mother loved the holiday. I think it made him happy to celebrate it. But he’d mix in traditions from when he grew up, and we’d thank Mother Earth for all the blessings she’d given us.” Winona’s face showed signs of a smile.

  “Then it’s settled. We’ll have the service in the morning, and then we’ll be together as a family to remember our loved ones and celebrate Christmas.”

  Winona’s face lit up, and Reagan’s heart warmed. Then, she noticed where her sister was looking and followed her gaze.

  “Hi, I hope I’m not interrupting.” Ricardo stood in the doorway.

  Inside, Reagan cheered. “No, not at all. Actually, most of us were going to go help Mom with a few things. Do you mind keeping Winona company for a few minutes?”

  Winona hadn’t yet confided in Reagan about the depth of the relationship with Ricardo.

  “Sounds great. Jessica, maybe you could help me make the cake. Sam, too.” Mom grinned, acting like it was all part of the plan from the beginning.

  Sam looked from his mom to his sister, and Reagan could tell he was trying to figure things out. She’d have to give him a heads up when she got a chance. Or maybe Jessica would. Women seemed to be quicker to pick up on relationship vibes than guys were.

  Everyone filed out.

  As Reagan passed Ricardo, he mouthed a thanks and she nodded.

  “I’ll catch up to you guys in a bit,” she said to the group in the hallway. Seeing Ricardo with her sister made Reagan want the one thing she needed after the day’s events.

  Rowan.

  Since Rowan never strayed too far from the command center, Reagan started her search there and hit pay dirt. He was huddled over a computer screen with Papa.

  “Anything I can help with?” Reagan asked.

  Papa swiveled his chair around to face her. “No. We were just checking the news feeds for anything strange in the area. How’s everybody doing?”

  “Better. Mom came in with her Christmas plans and cheered everyone up.”

  “That sounds like my daughter. Glad to hear it. We’ve never really celebrated Christmas in the pack, so I’m sure it’ll be a morale booster for everyone.”

  Commander role again, Reagan noted. “Is there anything I can do for tomorrow morning?”

  He shook his head. “We’re keeping it simple and close to home base. I hope you’ll say a few words about your grandmother.”

  “Of course.” Reagan’s heart felt heavy again. She knew there’d be a lot of tears. Wanting some alone time with Rowan more than ever, she asked if the men had eaten dinner.

  “I’m going to stay and check out a few more things. Why don’t you grab something to eat with Reagan?” Papa said to Rowan.

  “Will do.”

  Rowan took her hand and led her to the kitchen. “So, how’re you really doing?” he asked when they were halfway there.

  “Worried about my family,” Reagan said.

  He pulled her close, and she melted into him. “This is my family now, too. I can’t promise there’ll be no more deaths, but I can promise I’ll do everything in my power to keep you safe.”

  “I know.” Reagan wanted to hide away the rest of the night. “Is there somewhere we can go away from everyone?”

  “I’ve got just the place. Since it’s outside, I’m going to let Jed know. No reason to freak anyone out again, just in case someone needs us. Why don’t you grab some food and meet me at the front entrance?”

  Reagan nodded, and they parted ways. She grabbed a duffle bag out of her room so she could transport their food easier. Then, she hit up the kitchen for some waters, sandwiches, and chips. She even scrounged up a few cookies. There, she found Mom and Jessica already hard at work on the Yule log and other goodies. Reagan offered to help the next day with the meal preparation before leaving to meet Rowan.

  When she arrived at the entrance, he was already there. He took her hand and led her outside. “It’s not far.”

  She pulled the duffle bag strap over her head so running would be easier. A few minutes later, he slowed down. She saw a small, iced-over pond nestled in a group of snow-covered pine trees. Icicles hung from the limbs, causing them to droop. It reminded her of a children’s book her mom used to read around Christmas: A Wish to be a Christmas Tree.

  Thinking ahead, Reagan had packed a blanket; she pulled it out and spread it on the ground. A picnic in the woods in the middle of winter; not something she ever expected to do on a date. Yet, she couldn’t think of a better place to be. Nature made her feel closer to Nana.

  Reagan sat on the blanket, and Rowan joined her. “When’s the last time you celebrated Christmas?”

  “It’s been a while,” Rowan said between bites of his sandwich.

  Maybe the holiday would be good for everyone. It sounded like so many hadn’t ever experienced much holiday spirit. Too bad it would be overshadowed by a funeral. “You know what I wish?”

  “What’s that?”

  “I wish, for one night, we could be a family. You know, all of us sitting around a fire, eating Christmas dinner together, and exchanging presents. Crazy, huh?” A part of her felt guilty for sharing her wish with everything they had hanging over them. It felt selfish.

  “I think your mom is trying to give that to everyone.”

  “She is. She’s pretty awesome that way. What would you wish for?”

  “My wish has already come true,” Rowan said.

  She leaned in and kissed him. “That was totally cheesy, but so sweet.” She couldn’t help but tease him, even though her heart soared with the sweetness of the statement.

  “I’d like to wake up to you on Christmas morning. Maybe we can make that happen.”

  As the sun set, they lay back on the blanket and stared at the stars. She wished they could stay there forever. Instead, she promised herself she’d enjoy the next few days of family and sharing. Battle planning could wait.

  Morning came quickly. Rowan and Reagan arrived back late, and she checked on her sister before going to bed. Winona seemed in much better spirits after Ricardo’s visit.

  Sitting up in bed, Reagan considered the day. Nothing about it would be easy. Saying goodbye never was. Knowing she’d see Nana again, hopefully when they called on Cecilia, helped ease the pain. But Reagan would much rather have Nana there celebrating Christmas with her family.

  Determined to face what was coming, Reagan got up and went in search of her mom and aunt. They were in the library making last minute plans. “Hey, sweetie,” Mom said.

  On the table were garlands of cranberries and popcorn.

  “Were you two
up all night?” Reagan asked.

  “Maybe.” Aunt Sarah lifted an eyebrow and the corner of her mouth.

  “Papa popped in a few minutes ago and said we should meet at the front entrance in about an hour,” Mom said. “Why don’t you help us until then? Winona was here earlier, and she looked much better than yesterday.”

  “Yeah, I just saw her. She did seem to be a little better. I’ll start over here.” Reagan lost herself in finishing decorations and listening to Aunt Sarah’s memories of Christmastime with Nana. As they were wrapping up, Sasha walked in with Jessica, Winona, and Madeleine.

  “I wanted to bring you all together this morning,” Sasha said as they walked over. “A few weeks ago, Nana had me to do a favor for her. She wanted to give you each something for Christmas. Long story short, she had me contact a friend of hers and get something made for each of you. I received notification to pick them up at a local UPS center a few days ago.”

  Sasha reached into the bag she was carrying, pulled out a small wrapped package for each of them, and handed them out. “I helped her with a gift for Jed, too, but you’ll see that later.”

  Everyone seemed to hesitate, and Reagan turned the brown paper treasure over in her hand, rubbing her fingers along the edge with tape. An ache grew in her chest. Of course Nana thought about Christmas, even in the thick of training and battle planning.

  “Go ahead, open them.” Sasha gestured at the group.

  Reagan slid her finger into the crease of paper and down the line of tape before slowly pulling it away. She heard the crinkling around her and knew the others were doing the same. Inside, she found a leather-braided bracelet with two gold charms: a heart and a cross. Looking around the room, she saw each gift was the same.

  “Here, let me help you,” Sasha said to Mom, who was struggling to get hers on.

  Winona turned to Reagan to help, and then she returned the favor.

  “We should probably go,” Sasha said.

  Reagan noticed Madeleine didn’t have her bracelet on yet. “Can I help you with that?”

  She nodded. “I can’t tell you how much it means to me that she included me.” A tear slipped down her cheek.