142 His Orb…
Lyla
“It’s not that simple!” Nanny said marching towards me, tears in her eyes. “You pledged yourself to him when you allowed him to do those things to you with his Orb. I know Mother Liora hasn’t said so much about it but, Lyla… he can control you… bend you to his will, do whatever he damn wants. You think he’d just let you go if he didn’t have something planned… and heavens… you’re the damned reincarnation of Neriah… did you even know what happened between her and Xander?”
1 tried not to be alarmed.
“The books said something about them falling in love and…”
“The BOOKS ARE NOT SAYING THE TRUTH” she screeched interrupting me. “They want you to believe that Neriah only had to capture the Dark One and lock him up. She did more than that… she made him vengeful and don’t you dare argue with me because I’ve seen the visions… clear and crystal as glass…”
She paused and paced a little before coming back to me.
“Xander – The Dark One is out for revenge and he will not stop until he gets it. Just like how he destroyed her Pack back then, he would do even worse and do you know why… he has a part of your power at his disposal. He can choose to do with it in whatever way he wants. He can control your mind and make you useless. I don’t know how you keep escaping but all of this makes me uneasy. If only you had listened to me… if only you had just done all the things I told
you…”
A strangled sob escaped her lips, she was crying freely now. “I cannot allow this. I cannot allow you to remain in this world. Lyla…” she came and crouched beside me, holding my hands. “You must leave… that’s the only way to survive. As much as you do not try to tap into whatever, he would never come after you.
“Nanny!”
your source or
I stared at her strangely. She was practically falling apart before my eyes. I’ve never seen her this
way.
“Don’t worry, we’ll find a way to take care of the Ferals and it doesn’t matter if they call you a coward. I just want you to live, please!” She cupped my face, a tear rolled down her cheeks. seeping i
into her mouth. “I love you so much, Lyla. I’ve always cherished you with everything in me… I cannot allow anything to happen to you.”
I shifted uncomfortably, I was not used to this kind of familiarity with her.
“Tell me…” she sniffed back tears, reaching for both of my hands again. “Tell me you’ll leave. Please!”
I stared at her for a few minutes, at a loss for words. What could I say?
“I’m not sure,” I said finally, averting my gaze. “If I leave, a lot of people will die. Nathan, Ramsey, Mom, everyone, you…
13
142 His Orb,
“They’ve been doing fine without a Moonsinger for 10,000 years. I’m sure they’ll find a way to sort themselves out. I cannot allow you…”
I removed my hands from her grasp, rising from my chair to put distance between us.
“Know your place, Nanny, I said quietly. “You cannot make that decision for me. Not only am I an adult but you’re not my mother and I want to stay. I don’t know what you saw in your visions but I want to calamity.
o this for the sake of the innocents who will be at the receiving end of any
that will strike.”
“And you think you can save everyone without your powers?” Nanny scoffed, swiping angrily at a tear as she crossed the room and came to me reaching for my hand again.
“I’ve always loved you like I would my child. I practically raised you… and for years, I’ve loved how you honoured me as your mother. You know I am doing this in your best interest.”
“And I’m tired of running.” I moved away from her again. “I don’t know what you saw and I’m sure it made you scared but I’m confident about this and this is the first of many decisions I want to take. I know you’re attached to me but what will Mom think when she finds out you’re acting this
way.”
Nanny sighed running a hand through her hair. “Your mom doesn’t care about you more than I
do”
“But she’s still my mom,” I fired back “And please… enough talk about his. I’m tired of hearing the same words over and over again. I’ll be fine and I won’t be leaving. Also, there’s no future for me and Ramsey. We can change the narrative and shape it into our wishes”
spare
She huffed with tears in her eyes. “You’re nothing but a child. Do you think Xander would you because he said he loves you? He’s evil, Lyla and evil rarely changes and just so you know, it’s either him or Ramsey. There is no Nathan in between. If you must spare his life, leave him
alone and let someone else have him.” a
Fear coursed through my veins as the words of the High Priestess echoed in my heart too.
“Th–that’s for us to decide,” I said bravely.
Nanny laughed then shook her head, grabbed the laundry basket and walked out of my room leaving me more confused than I was before.
After she left, thoughts of everything that she said were hunting me and I was feeling quite restless. Deciding to explore within the pack, I slipped out of my room.
The late afternoon sun was waning, shining brightly only on polished surfaces. I wandered through the pack, loving the buzz of activity as every pack member went about their day. I was so consumed in thoughts that I found myself at the training grounds.
A group of warriors were engaged in drills, captivating me with their uniform movements. I approached the training ground, leaning curiously at the rail as I watched them. I hadn’t had the time to settle properly when the warriors‘ training, stopped immediately, bowing respectfully to
I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment.
*Please Please” I said hurriedly “Don’t ston on my scenunt. “I just wanted to watch”
The warriors exchanged glances and one of them, presumably the instructor came forward.
“Modesinger..” he said awkwardly clearing his throat as his eyes sought mine. “What title should I call you? What title…”
“Lya” I said immediately cutting him short. “You can call me Lyla, that’s my name, no need to be formal”
He nodded. “Can we help you with anything?”
Umm With Nathan always swamped with work, I had to keep on training. If I wanted to be useful, at least.
“I was wondering if I could train here sometime. I won’t get in the way. I promise. Just… in a corner somewhere. I promise not to slow you down.” I added.
The instructor hesitated for a moment and then nodded.
“Of course, you’re welcome here anytime.
thanked him and left, a small smile on my lips.
