Free Destined to Fly: An Avalon Novel by Indigo Bloome Page B

Resigned to the fact that I’m in his brother’s house, surrounded by men who admittedly care for me deeply, yet want me to do anything but what I need to do, I reluctantly nod.
    ‘Yes, Leo, of course.’
    I hear Jeremy physically exhale at my agreement. His previous silence had been distracting me from thinking about the stress he must be feeling. We make eye contact and he kisses my palm, relief and tension still weaving through the muscles of his body.
    Leo explains his proposal, describing the potential risks and dangers, and painting a detailed vision of a potential nirvana, the best-case scenario if everything goes according to plan. His monologue is compelling and allows me to wallow in a vision of the future that I have been incapable of considering given the immediate nature of Jurilique’s threat. What he is suggesting isbeyond anything I could ever have conceived and goes so much further than merely the next few days. His passion makes the impossible seem possible, helping me to start believing in the idea that these horrible events have happened for a reason. That they have a purpose we are yet to discover and offer a path for us to take that would otherwise have been unavailable to us.
    His language is engaging, enthusiastic and it opens pathways, as if he is reaching out to me and tempting me to escape with him, to take a risk, a journey not taken before, an undefined path. And I want to believe in him, more than I’ve ever wanted anything before. We are all mesmerised by his words, as if we are in a trance; he has captured the imagination of every mind around the table. I should have known that for a man like Jeremy to revere Leo like he does, he would need to be exceptional. He is.
    As his speech ends, Leo meets my eyes and it’s as though I’m hypnotised by his, until my mind abruptly flashes with a shock of recognition. Leo is my owl, the owl in the dream I had on the plane to London. The one who is looking out for me, the one I acknowledged with a bow of my head when I had transformed into an eagle.
    How much do I trust in my dreams? Should I give them credence? Questions scatter through my brain in less than a second before they are silenced. In this moment, I recognise that it is my destiny to fly with this man, in uncharted skies. I know I need to trusthim with my life, as scary as that may be, but knowing too that my life depends on it. The perceived kindness and sense of calm I experienced just a short time ago gives weight to this notion. Perhaps Leo is the wise owl guiding us toward our undiscovered future. He certainly ensured Jeremy’s redirection many years ago and has stood by him ever since.
    This male ambush was nothing like what I had expected; perhaps had been programmed to expect. They have surprised me with their sincere response to my situation, while remaining calm, kind and rational.
    I’m forced to question why I wouldn’t allow myself to consider any other options, would barely engage in the discussion. My only conclusion is that my ego got the better of me. The threat of the world seeing me in a different light to the public persona I have so carefully constructed and managed throughout my life, allowed me to be held to ransom.
    I am beginning to understand that my true learning has only just begun, although Jeremy began the process by awakening me to the potential integration of my distinct parts, shining light on what was previously dark. I feel like the universe has thrown me a huge curve ball and I must choose whether to duck or bat. I decide to play.
    ‘I have two conditions for all of you to consider before I accept this proposition.’ Jeremy looks anxious, Leo allows a small smile on the edge of his lips as though he has expected as much.
    ‘Yes, Alexandra?’ Leo asks.
    I glance toward Robert. ‘Elizabeth and Jordan come with us.’
    No one responds but looks are exchanged around the table, laden with unspoken words.
    ‘And the other?’ Leo enquires with an aura