Perilous Light by Alyssa Rose Ivy Read Free Book Online Page A

regretted his own lack of interest in the Pact.
    “ Are you all right with that, Monty? Do you think one Guardian is adequate?” Theodore asked.
    “ As much as I believe Charlotte needs protection, if Kevin is going to pull this off, he needs all the help he can get.” Monty shifted his weight back and forth between his feet.
    “ If I’m going to pull this off? Great way to instill confidence.” Kevin shook his head. “And I want to make sure Charlotte is safe. Liam is staying with her if I can’t.” Kevin exchanged glances with Liam.
    “ Sure, that makes sense.” Liam smiled at me.
    I decided it was time to ask my questions. “So we’ve discussed what Kevin is doing. Where do I fit in?” I touched Monty’s arm to get his attention; he seemed far away.
    Theodore answered for Monty. “I thought you knew. You are to go to Icentris to retrieve Emma.” Theodore’s words sounded flat and emotionless, but the pain in his eyes suggested guilt and remorse I couldn’t imagine.
    As Theodore’s words hit me, I felt ambushed by a wave of emotions. I realized that returning to Energo meant we were going after my mother, but I hadn’t really accepted how soon we would do it. I was excited, but also nervous. James said I was the only hope of saving her, but I couldn’t shake the fear of failure.
    When I didn’t answer, Theodore continued, “How have you fared using your abilities?”
    “ Not great. I mean, sometimes they work, but they aren’t very predictable.”
    An expression of horror crossed Theodore’s face. “What do you mean, ‘they are not predictable’? You were doing so well with Ruth back at Bellgard!” I took a step back, walking right into Liam. He put his hands on my shoulders to steady me.
    Before I could say anything in my defense, Henry said, “She has had no one to teach her. Essences are usually trained by their predecessors for many years. Without Emma or Ruth, how can we expect Charlotte to master her abilities?” Henry turned to smile at me encouragingly. I’m not sure what caused it, but Henry seemed to have matured considerably in the few hours we had been back in Energo. Maybe he wanted to appear more adult in front of his brother.
    “ Henry is right. It merely reinforces how important it is to retrieve Emma immediately. I want to keep our party small, and with James’s knowledge, we do not need a guide, but I would prefer one more man for our journey. Can you spare anyone?” Monty asked.
    Lawson raised his hand. “I can go with you. It would be an honor to protect the Essence.” Ruth hadn’t been kidding when she told me the Ashwells were loyal to the Essence. Even though we had just met, I was glad Lawson would be accompanying us.
    “ That sounds reasonable. So it is settled. The two groups will leave in the morning,” Monty stated.
    I didn’t wait to hear how everyone responded to Theodore. Needing air, I walked out of the cave entrance without glancing back. I knew I was being followed, but I didn’t care. No one had warned me how emotional returning to Energo would make me. All of my hurt and confusion over Calvin multiplied tenfold until I felt like it could strangle me. Discussing our journey only reminded me that Calvin and I were still separated. I started running, not concerned that I was heading back into the jungle.
    James’s rough arms encircled me from behind. “Charlotte, where do you think you are going?”
    “ I need a minute, okay?” I didn’t bother struggling; even if I got free, he would just catch up to me again.
    “ What is wrong? We leave to go find your mom tomorrow; you should be happy.” James sounded frustrated. I turned around in time to catch Liam scowling at him.
    “ Can you give us a few minutes?” Liam looked just as much to me as at James for agreement. I appreciated that.
    “ Fine. I will be nearby, though; she should not be without a Guardian.” James insinuated that Liam’s protection was inferior to his own.
    “ I get it.