Empowered (Unbound, Book 6)

Chapter Eight

At first, it was silent, then there was static.

A screech like a mic being tested rang out. It was over to quick to put my hands over my ears. Muffled voices replaced the nuisance, followed by the blurred images becoming sharper.

Once it focused, sound merged with the images.

My mouth dropped to see my mother and Zach were in our kitchen—the last time I saw her. I recalled it perfectly and, if I was forced to watch this interaction instead of the last time I told her I loved her, I'd prefer to rewind to the conversation they'd had about me before I overheard them. Otherwise, this was cruel and I was somehow being punished.

"I get it!" I tipped my head back and yelled. "I was in the dark and should have given her the chance to explain!"

The image in front of me sped up.

I saw me stand to face Zach and my mom, saw lips move, but couldn't make out the words. My hostility and what I had perceived then to be secretive behavior was clear, though I now say my mother was hesitant. Like she was worried—or worse, scared.

As I walked away in the image, I watched my mother, wishing I could feel what she did in the moment instead of being a passive observer.

She closed her e3yes and reached out to the counter for support, flinching as the front door slammed and I was gone. Before her death, I'd known she had aged. This—the defeat that seeped from her—made her seem exhausted. Not just I-need-a-good-sleep tired, but my-cellular-makeup-is-on-the-brink-of-death malfunction.

Zach came over and placed his hand on my mother's shoulder. "Vavila—"

She shook her head and exhaled. A moment later, my mom opened her eyes, blinking rapidly and let go of the counter to stand straight. She shrugged Zach's hand off and waved her hand in the air. "It's fine. I'm fine."

"You should go after Nora. Tell her."

"She doesn't want this, Zach," she whispered, sounding pained. She wrapped one arm around her waist and winced. "If I tell Nora, she needs time to cool down or nothing I say will be heard."

"But—"

"Not. Now. Zach." My mother clenched her teeth as she spoke, wincing and leaning forward.

"Vavila," Zach said firmly, and my mother lifted her head, grimacing and still leaning forward.

"I know."

"It's a warning."

"I know."

"You've done all you can to protect your home. It's time to include Nora," he said. "Keeping her bound weakens you. As the threat you saw draws closer, your symptoms get worse. Go home and heal so you have the strength you need."

"That place will unbind Nora." She shook her head, licking her lips. "I sensed her essence as she left, Zach. It's conflicted. She doesn't accept her abilities yet."

"Then stop blocking her empathy. Let her feel what's right. Taking it on hurts you and lessens your protection. Something is wrong if you are this sick, and it's only getting worse. You're out of options."

My mother stood tall. "Tomorrow. I'll call her tomorrow so we are both calmer."

"Then you'll go home?"

She hesitated, then nodded, and began walking out of the kitchen. "I'll go home once Nora is okay. Until then, nothing changes, even if you think it's best. Promise she'll be happy."

"If you fail, she won't be."

"I know." She sighed. "For now, I'm going to rest."

Zach nodded. "I'll bring you some tea and a hot pad to ease your cramps."