Chapter 49

The next morningarrives before I'm ready to face it, the dawn breaking through my window in shards of pink and orange light that stirs me from a restless slumber.

The remnant of my nightmare lingers like cobwebs in my mind, but I push it aside, not wanting it to taint this difficult day. I need to concentrate on saying goodbye to Emerin.

A deep sadness throbs in my heart as I rise from the bed. I wash and dress in a simple cotehardie, its bright yellow fabric doing nothing to lift my mood.

Lastly, I grab my veil and yank it over my face. The last thing I want is people to stare at me like the other day.

The sadness deepens as I move into the corridor and walk next to Jasce toward the largest parlor in the palace. Jasce had mentioned he prepared the room in advance, ensuring it would be vacant and the corridors leading us there clear of any prying eyes or unwanted interruptions.

As we step into the room, I find Arian and Emerin already standing there. Emerin hurries to me, and it takes everything in me to not beg her to stay here with me.

The scent of marjoram envelops me as she embraces me, her arms wrapping tightly around my shoulders. I cling to her just as fiercely.

Too soon she pulls away, her eyes glistening with tears. "I love you more than all the dragons in the sky," she says, quoting something she used to say when we were little.

I repeat the lines I always said back to her. "And I love you more than all the secrets whispered by the moon."

She laughs. "We always had overactive imaginations, didn't we?"

"We did."

She looks so small standing there, copper hair tumbling over her shoulders, eyes swimming with tears.

"Oh, Rora." Emerin throws her arms back around me. "I am going to miss you so much."

I pull her close again, clinging to her, wishing I could freeze time and keep her here with me. But I must let her go. Tahira and Asha need her more than I do.

Jasce steps forward and addresses Emerin. "Thank you for coming to heal Annora. I know it was not easy for you to leave your home."

Emerin takes a slow, steadying breath as she moves away from me. "I'm glad I could help."

"Arian will escort you home swiftly and safely," Jasce says.

Light footsteps echo against the marble as Arian steps nearer to where we stand and nods, her eyes alight with determination.

I slide closer to Jasce, needing his strength right now. He reaches out, taking my hand, and I squeeze my fingers around his. If only they could take away this pain, this sadness.

It takes everything in me to not grab Emerin and keep her here with me. Instead, I stand next to Jasce as Arian lifts her hands, and silver flames appear. Her eyes glint in the torchlight as she summons a portal, the vortex swirling and dancing in front of us.

Emerin turns to me, her eyes speaking volumes—telling me how much she loves me and will miss me.

I love you too.

With a resolute nod, she squares her shoulders, then steps through the portal. The air ripples and shimmers as Arian follows her. As they disappear, the portal shrinks, collapsing in on itself until it closes completely, leaving no trace of its existence.

Jasce squeezes my fingers. "Emerin will be safe."

His touch grounds me, reminds me that while part of my heart just stepped through that portal, another piece remains here with him.