EarthBorn (The Elemental Born Book 1) by E.M Reders Read Free Book Online Page B

seem it.”
    “I'm fine, just tired.” Turning away from her, I began removing my shoes in a hope that she would take the hint and leave. She now knew why I had left, but so far she hadn’t asked who I had left with and I really didn’t want to get into that with her either.
    “Okay. Well, I’ll see you in the morning,” she said, moving to open the door. Just as she was about to close it behind her, she turned back. “Do you still want me to be nearby tomorrow at the ritual?” Nodding, she granted me a small smile before shutting the door and leaving me alone on the last night of my life as I knew it. Tomorrow night I would more than likely be going to sleep in another bed, in a strange place, with a man I was tied to for the rest of my short life, and the blood from his impending death on my hands.
    ~
    The day went by in a blur, the time seeming to rush past with the wind, leaving me with a sense of panic and despair. I wasn’t ready for this. Everyone kept telling me that with my protector I would be safer, have a better chance of living, but I didn't see it that way. No, I would never be safe. All I would be doing would be dooming another to the terrible fate that awaited me.
    I’d gotten up to find the place empty but for Grace singing happily in the kitchen. Everyone else had gone out to finish preparing for the ritual. They wouldn't be there for it, but there were still plenty of things that needed doing before I could leave for the Circle in a few hours. We wanted to get there early so we could go over the spell one last time before the men arrived. I was terrified, not wanting anything to do with what I knew had to happen tonight, but I was glad for the distraction.
    All night my dreams had been filled with images of Ethan. Of The past, the future we may have had if I had never been cursed with the powers I held. Because that's what they were… a curse.
    "Did you hear anything I just said?" Grace’s fingers snapped in front of my face as I sat staring into nothing at the breakfast bar.
    “Sorry, what did you say?” 
    “I said, I think it would be best if you kept your head covered with your cloak while you do the spell tonight. I don't want everyone to see who you are, only your chosen protector and his family, pack or coven. They will need to know of the danger you are in too, and the importance of keeping you safe. I don't think any of those coming tonight would betray us, but I think it's best to stay on the side of caution… just in case.”
    “Okay.”
    How about we just didn't do it? Surely that would be the most cautious route to take.
    As if reading my mind, she sighed, turning to face me. “Kaia, this really is the best option we have. Finding your protector will give you the best chance of survival. You'll see. When you meet your match, everything will fall into place.”
    Somehow I doubted that. I had a feeling that tonight would be one of the worse nights of my life.
    ~
    Stepping out of the car, my heart began to pound in my chest as Grace and I made our way up the path to the Circle. Normally Grace would have brought us straight here by magic, but with all the extra protection spells that had been placed around here, even she wouldn't have been able to get us anywhere close enough.
    The lads had done a great job clearing the place, the path leading through the wood to the Circle was clear of brambles and now wide enough that no one would have to move in single file. As the path ended, we stepped out into the now wide open space. It looked so different. Before it had been a field of wildflowers, the top of the four rocks sticking up slightly above the tall flora, but now the whole space had been cleared and transformed into a rolling meadow with the element stones standing proudly in the centre. How many people were we expecting tonight? Surely they had gone a little overboard. 
    “We have just two hours before the ritual, so I would say that gives us an hour before anyone shows up.