Total pages in book: 247
Estimated words: 248926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1245(@200wpm)___ 996(@250wpm)___ 830(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 248926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1245(@200wpm)___ 996(@250wpm)___ 830(@300wpm)
I directed my attention to her.
At the head of the table, Baba sat in one chair, dressed in a flowing white caftan that seemed to float around her delicate form. Her hair was up in a bun.
The shimmering sun brightened her tan complexion, but the shadows under her eyes and the way she chewed on her bottom lip suggested she hadn't slept well.
Fuck. This is going to be bad.
I walked over to the table. “What's wrong?”
Silent, Kaz followed.
Baba watched me sit down. “I went to visit Paolo this morning and sing him a little song. I even planned to read him a book.”
O-kay?
I rested my hands in my lap and twisted my fingers. “I had him with me. I wanted to do his hair.”
“I heard.” She curved her lips into a smile. “I saw a quick vision of you all dancing through Maxwell's eyes. So much joy rushed into my heart.”
I blinked. “You can do that? See through other people's eyes.”
“The visions come when the Universe sees fit, tearing through my conscious like a storm. I have no control over what is revealed.” She held out her hands. “Sometimes. . .the Universe keeps away a disturbing future. It blocks.”
She raised her hands and held her palms up. “There's a veil between us and the future. Sometimes the veil is clear like glass and I can see it all.”
Tension gathered in my shoulders.
“And sometimes, the Universe hides the visions and the veil thickens, blurring everything and making my head dizzy.”
I didn't like what she was saying. Those words seemed to trigger a haunting darkness to hover in the air above us.
The suspense was unbearable and I felt like my heart was going to stop beating at any second.
David stood by the balcony railing and watched us.
Kaz lowered in his chair. “Where are your cards? I have been waiting all day for some confirmation from you that my mouse will be safe.”
Baba turned her view to him. “For as long as we have known each other, Kazimir, many of your reading requests have been about Emily.”
“And?”
“It is just an interesting fact.”
Kaz frowned. “I want facts about the future, not interesting ones about the past.”
The smile left her face. “And that is why we are outside, instead of in my office today.”
I leaned forward. “Why?”
“Emily, it appears that you have seeped into my heart.” Her bottom lip quivered. “I tried to stop it, but. . .once Paolo came and you chose to protect and love my little pumpkin. . .you have taken up residence within my soul.”
My heart warmed.
Kaz sighed. “What does this have to do with the reading?”
I placed my hand on his lap. “Be patient, baby.”
Her eyes watered. “For the past week, I ignored a certain truth that has been slowly coming into existence.”
I tensed.
“Things have occurred and I've. . .not seen them.” She put her view on David. “This happened with my grandson. Visions of his future life became blurry and then eventually smothering into darkness.”
Oh no.
My stomach tightened as fear and sorrow surged through me like a tsunami, quickly drowning my hope for any calming news about today.
She directed her attention on me. “This has been occurring with my beloved lion and mouse. My visions for you both have been slowly fading.”
Kaz shook his head. “Then, get them back.”
I looked at him. “Baby, she can't see our future, if she loves us.”
Kaz's voice dripped with malice. “If that is the case, then I can change that love, and get us right back on track.”
I lowered my voice. “You better not be threatening her.”
He sneered. “I want a reading.”
Baba gave him a sad smile. “Imagine my surprise that a stubborn, spoiled lion could capture my heart. How could that ever be possible? The ego? The constant rage always churning inside of him.”
Kaz snarled, a menacing gleam flickered in his eye. “This will not do. Love or not, I need assurances.”
“This is why I needed the location. I can still see bits of visions through the eyes of your people. Some have held Fela in them.”
For some reason, my skin crawled. “And what did you see?”
“There were two very different visions of Emily with Fela. They both played all night long in my head, switching back and forth.” Baba rubbed the side of her head. “Keeping me up all night—”
“Tell me the visions.” Kaz furrowed his brows. “I need something.”
Baba rubbed her head some more. “In one vision, Fela stands several yards in front of Emily. They are at an abandoned playground. Before Fela can step close to Emily, members of the Brotherhood shoot him down.”
I widened my eyes.
Baba lowered her hand and placed it back on the table. “Then, there is only fire, blood, and screaming.”
By the balcony, David spoke, “Did a bomb go off?”
She nodded at David. “The entire playground explodes. So many die, especially Kaz, Emily, Maxwell, and you.”