She took his hand and held it. “It felt right. Things are happening, Alaric, and you will be called on to do things you never imagined. You need to know who you are.”
She held his hand a moment longer, then squeezed it and stood. “You finish eating. I have some things to do for your father.”
He watched her walk away, then turned to finish his sandwich. Exhaustion pulled on his limbs, making him feel heavy. Dumping the food left on his plate, Alaric left his dishes in the sink and headed for his room. He was very aware of the presence of others as he climbed the stairs wearily.
As he closed the door to his room, he raised his own shields to offer him some form of peace and what quiet he could get in a house filled with people who lived with their minds intermingled.
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Scenes from t
