Kit looked up at the house. She could Alistair yelling that he didn’t want to go to bed. She felt like she had been hit by a freight train.  Destiny just dropped a bomb on her.

                     Darkside 31                     

Bette sat in a comfy chair in Avery’s room. Avery casually walked into the room. 

“What are you doing in here?” She asked her mom. 

“I think we need to talk.” Bette held up Avery’s sketch book.

“Mom, I?” Avery looked at the sketch book. 

“Is this the future you’ve seen?” She flipping through the book. Horrifying pictures spilled out. 

“I don’t know.” Avery took the book from her. “The future changes with every choice we make.” 

“Which is the one you see now?” Bette asked. Avery walked past her and out onto the balcony. “Avery you can tell me.” 

Bette walked out on to the balcony. 

“Bette!” Tina called. 

“I’m in Avery’s room.” Bette called back. 

“Don’t make me tell you. Please I can’t.” Avery looked at Bette with tears rolling down her cheeks. 

“Why not? What are you so afraid of?” Bette put her hands on Avery’s shoulder. 

“You don’t get it. I’m not afraid of anything. You are.” Avery disappeared into flames. 

*********

Avery walked out of the flames and into her fortress. Ancients and soldiers buzzed around the Great Hall.

“Your majesty everything is prepared as you asked.” A very young warrior said. 

“What is your name?” Avery asked. 

“Dixie.” She bowed her head. 

“Well Dixie. I’m Avery. What level are you?” Avery walked with the young woman. 

“13.” Dixie followed along beside her. 

“Have you ever fought in battle?” Avery asked. 

“No but I was at the top of my class.” 

“Then I guess we both will learn a lot in the upcoming days.” Avery looked out of the window at the brave men and women who would follow her into battle. 

“I suppose so.” 

“Are you afraid to die?” Avery asked.