Shift by Raine Thomas Read Free Book Online Page A

reported seeing a flash of light as Saraqael read the scroll, correct?” Malukali asked.
    “Yes.”
    “Was there a glow emitting from the scroll piece you read?”
    He allowed himself to return to the memory, though it pained him. Eventually, he nodded.
    The elders exchanged glances. Then they again looked at him. Malukali’s dark green eyes were filled with compassion.
    “Saraqael’s fate was sealed when he read the scroll that ultimately resulted in Kate’s pregnancy and the existence of their three daughters,” she said. Reaching out, she touched his hand. “Quincy, we believe that you retained the information contained on that piece of the Elder Scroll because your fate is in some way connected to it.”
    He wouldn’t have been more stunned if Saraqael walked in the door right then and wished him good day. Blinking several times, he said, “You think I’m one of the eight?”
    “We can’t be sure,” Knorbis said, his brow drawn in concern. “But we’ve discussed it, and this is really the only explanation that makes sense. The fact that you detected the scroll’s energy when you read it and retained the words, well…”
    In the silence that followed, Quincy looked from one elder to the next and tried to process this news. They were saying that he would somehow have to participate in the ritual that would allow a new elder to assume his or her powers. They were also saying that he had been as equally fated to visit that library as Saraqael had been.
    “This is a lot to take in,” he said at last, rubbing the bridge of his nose to fight off a burgeoning headache. “Is there some way to confirm this theory once the scroll piece is brought here?”
    “Yes,” Malukali said. “We will watch the scroll piece’s reaction when you touch it. It will tell us what we need to know. And we believe that Hoygul’s map will provide Zayna with the information she needs to recover the piece.” She paused, then asked, “Will you allow me to use my abilities to ease your grief, Quincy?”
    He considered it for a moment. The emotional oblivion she could provide would be welcome compared to the still-potent guilt and sorrow currently seated in the center of his chest.
    “No, but thank you,” he said eventually. “I’d really just like to be alone for a while.”
    The elders stood. “Very well,” Malukali said. “I also wanted to let you know that Knorbis and I will be going to visit Kanika. We’re hoping that we can do something to help ease her emotional trauma. While we’re there, we’ll make note of any lingering physical issues she may still have. May we consult with you about these when we return?”
    “Of course,” he said, walking them to the door and opening it. “I would be happy to help.”
    “Thank you.” Malukali touched his arm as she walked past him and out into the night. “I’ll be here for another hour or so if you change your mind.”
    “I appreciate it.”
    He ushered them out, then closed the door and rested his forehead against it. Not even ten seconds later, another knock sounded on the door. He felt the vibrations like shock waves through his already aching head, and jerked away from the wood with a vicious curse.
    “Um…should I come back?” he heard from the other side of the door.
    Sophia.
    Even as his heartbeat accelerated at the sound of her voice, he wondered what cruel twist of fate would have her seeking him out right now when all he wanted was solitude.
    Opening the door, he resigned himself to whatever destiny awaited him.
    “Sorry about the, uh, language,” he managed to say in greeting.
    She waved that away as she walked past him into the gathering area, lowering the hood of her cloak as she passed. The crisp nighttime air clung to her hair and clothing, adding to the mysterious scent that was distinctly her own. He breathed it in like a healing balm.
    “It isn’t as though I’ve never heard the words before,” she said as she sat on the sofa. “You’ve