Scarlett (Second Edition) by Karima Saad Usman novel Chapter 206

P

Scarlett

Chapter 206

Her words hit deeply, and I nodded, acknowledging the truth of them. There had been a time when I thought I could shoulder everything on my own. Now, it was clear that wasn’t the way forward.

“Regardless,” Elsa continued, her tone sharpening, this magic isn’t yours alone. You aren’t meant to bear it alone. I don’t know if your mates will ever come

into their elements, but you’ll need their help to stabilize in Without balance, the threat ahead will be harder to face.”

She paused, a shadow passing over her face. “As for the darkness-it with rise from the South. And it will leave nothing but death and destruction in its wake.

You must warn Keith Harold. He stands no chance against it as he is now.”

The mention of Keith made my stomach churn. He might not have been my favorite person, but the thought of him being træprepared for this looming

danger was unsettling. I needed to find a way to warn him, even if I wasn’t sure how he would take the message.

Elsa sighed, her gaze turning back to me. “Once Garland is healed, it’s best to send him home. He needs to defend his territory. This darkness won’t spare

anyone. And now that it has seen you, Scarlett,” she said, her voice dropping ominously, “it will save its best for you.”

A chill ran down my spine at her words. Midnight’s presence, usually strong and steady, receded, her unease mirroring my own.

“Do we stand a chance?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Elsa didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she moved to retrieve a bowl of water. Returning to the center of the garden, she placed it on the ground. “I want

all of you to wash your hands in this bowl,” she instructed. “Then hold hands and focus.”

Lucian, Clay, and Maxwell moved around the bowl with me, each of us doing as she directed. The water shimmered faintly in the moonlight, and as our hands joined, it began to glow. The light was unlike anything I’d ever seen, otherworldly and alive. Elsa leaned over the bowl, her eyes turning stark white as

she began to read the visions within it.

“Death, destruction, love, sacrifice, darkness, severance, doom, and redemption for one,” she intoned, her voice hollow and distant. Then, as suddenly as the light had begun, it extinguished, leaving only the stillness of the night.

Clay shifted uncomfortably, breaking the silence. “Don’t you ever have something good to say, Elsa?” he quipped, trying to lighten the mood.

Elsa shrugged nonchalantly. “I only say what the spirits show me. Don’t blame me for the readings-blame fate.” Her tone was light, but her eyes carried a heaviness that said she didn’t take her words lightly.

Turning back to me, her expression softened. “Alison is coming tomorrow,” she said. “She has something to tell you-something your mother asked her to

share when you became a woman.”

The mention of my mother’s name hit me like a wave, a bittersweet ache rising in my chest. My mother had left me words? The idea was almost too much to comprehend. I had spent so many years feeling unloved, unwanted, and abandoned. The thought that my mother might have left something for me stirred

a mix of emotions: curiosity, longing, and fear.

I nodded, unable to speak, the weight of the moment settling over me. Whatever Alison had to say, I hoped it would bring some comfort to the emptiness I had carried all these years. At the same time, I was terrified it might dredge up even more pain.

That night, we returned to the apartment. The warmth of the shower, shared with my mates, offered a momentary reprieve from my thoughts. We all slept in same bed, Lucian holding me tightly, his grip almost possessive, as if he feared I might vanish if he let go. His protectiveness was endearing, though it

silence the thoughts swirling in my mind.

me as I lay there, staring at the ceiling. The ominous vision of death, destruction, and sacrifice loomed large. What did it all mean?

9:57 am P p pp.

Chapter 206

My end fare what? The questions rinted endlessly, refusing to let me rest

Though I wax surrounded by my mates, then warmth and presence a steady reassurance, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the hardest trials were yet to

Comments

Michele Gremillion

sc glad she decided to give her mates another chance.

7 cays ago

сл

5

T

*

← SHARE

1 Comments

B

9:57 am P P P P

Scarlett

hapter 207

Scarlett’s POV

I woke up nestled in Clay’s arms, his warmth enveloping me. His steady breathing and the faint scent of pinewood were comforting. He was wide awake, his gaze soft as it rested on me. I sensed he had stayed in bed, waiting for me to wake, just so he could hold me longer.

“You finally wake up,” he teased, his tone light and playful.

I yawned, snuggling further into his embrace. “I was overworked yesterday,” I said in my defense, and he laughed a deep, happy laugh that filled the room. It was a sound I hadn’t heard enough of, but I hoped I’d hear more in the future.

Gently I sat up and stretched. “Where are Maxwell and Lucian?” I asked, glancing around the room.

“Prepping Garland for questioning and taking stock of what we have,” he replied easily. “Elsa’s revelation about your kin unsettled Lucian, and you know he

and Maxwell-they like to cover all bases.”

I smiled at his comment, imagining the two of them, always in planning mode, always preparing.

“And what about you?” I asked, tilting my head.

Clay grinned, pulling me closer. “We decided you’re never to wake alone. See it as our penance. One of us will always be with you.” His voice dropped to a playful whisper. “And I like to believe I’m your favorite.”

I nudged him, laughing. “Oh, is that so?”

“Of course,” he teased, his tone feigning arrogance. “I mean, my earth element will keep you grounded. Clearly, I’m indispensable.”

I laughed again, the lightness of the moment breaking through the tension from the night before. “How did you know all that about the elements?” he asked suddenly, curiosity glinting in his eyes.

I hesitated. I didn’t think it would be wise to tell him the full truth-that I had gained some of that knowledge when Keith’s magic touched mine. There was no point in bringing up something that might stir unnecessary tension.

“Keith taught me about the elements,” I said carefully. “I borrowed his knowledge of magic willingly, of course.”

Clay’s smile faltered, and I saw a flicker of something darker in his eyes. Keith was always a touchy subject, and I should have known better. His usually light-blue eyes shifted to a forest green-his magic element surfacing, stirred by his emotions.

“Clay, don’t be like that,” I said softly, reaching for his hand. He looked at me, his expression still troubled.

“I can’t change the past,” I began, my voice steady but filled with sincerity. “When I went to the West, it wasn’t by choice. I went because I thought I had no other option–to survive, to live. I truly believed you all wanted me dead. And let’s be honest, the crime I was accused of was damning. Killing people in the settlement… it was horrible, even though it wasn’t my intention.” I paused, giving him a moment to absorb my words. “I didn’t think I’d be forgiven. In fact, I thought I’d be forgotten at the stake. But the moon gave me another chance, and I took it without hesitation.”

Clay’s gaze softened, but there was still sadness there. I reached out, brushing my fingers lightly against his cheek. “There was no time my heart let go of you, Clay,” I said quietly. “Even in the West, I held out… until my heat came.”

His eyes dimmed slightly, the sadness deepening, the opposite of what I’d hoped for. “We felt it,” he admitted after a moment. “We felt the pull, Scarlett. And as hard as it is to say, I’m glad he was there to take care of you.” He paused, attempting a weak smile. “I hope we get our chance, too. For a woman

C

9:57 am P p pp.