“No.”
“You have to. She needs to know.” Carl shifted.
“The Three Spirited one already knows. She has been watching.” My voice was thick and foreign.
“Carl?”
“She is right, she has three. Her wolf, her human witch, and-”
“Stop.” My mother’s voice was sharp. “Not here.”
“Fine, but you will have to tell her soon. She obviously has things she has to do, and if you keep her in the dark too long, you might jeopardize everything.”
The two of them were quiet for a minute. “What are you going to do?” My mother questioned.
“I’m going to listen to your daughter. I’m going to pack up and take Carly with me.”
“Where will you go?”
“I don’t know. We have nowhere safe.”
The voice came from me. “Silvermoon will be a safe haven for you and your child. There is a pathway under the gazebo. Take it to the sea. You will find a burnt husk of a cabin there. Rebuild. She will be safe there from all who wish to find her.”
“Daddy?” Her soft voice was terrified. “What happened?”
“Hey baby.” Carl’s voice softened. “How are you feeling?”
“Are you going to leave me now?” Her voice quivered, and I heard Carl choke up.
“Not yet, baby. But soon.”
My eyes finally started to clear. “He will never truly leave you, young Shaman. That I can promise. Our ancestors live on through us. And he will watch over you.” The voice was softer, and when my vision fully cleared, I held her face in my hands.
“Amy…you promise?”
“I promise.” I kissed her head, and she sighed.
“I saw what’s to come.” Her voice was stronger. “I know my daddy will go, but you will be there with me. Every step of the way.”
“Of course I will.” I didn’t even think about it. I promised to take this baby in.
“Amy!” My mom cut in, but Carly looked up at her.
“I know my daddy asked you, but you have your own path, and she and I have our own.” Her voice was so much older than it should have been.
I looked at my mom. “She’s right. I don’t know how we know, just that she is meant to be mine.” I looked at Carl. “You feel it as well.” He just nodded. I turned back to my mother. “It seems we have a lot to talk about.”
I watched her swallow and then nod. “Yes, I think we do.” She turned to Carl. “We have to go. We have spent too much time here as it is. But I will come back tomorrow.”
Carl shook his head. “Don’t bother, I’ll be leaving tonight.” He hugged Carly closer. “Can you call Gavin for me?”
My mother shivered, but I pulled out my phone. I dialed my father’s number. “Amy? Is everything okay?” His voice came over the line and I felt the part of my soul settle. Every time I leave him and the pack, I leave a part of myself back there.
“Yeah Daddy. Everything is okay. I have a favor to ask you.”
“Whatever it is, it’s yes.” He chuckled. “You know I could never say no to you.”
“Please. Just listen.” He heard the seriousness in my voice, and his chuckle trailed off.
