Chapter 27

Emjay

"The Fates never forgot me or the others. Whether in this life or the next." ~ Emjay

"You've been carrying that all day?" I ask Damian, my tone soft with concern and admiration.

He rubs his beard, a gesture that brings me comfort when he speaks. It's a small, familiar action that grounds me. It reminds me I'm not the only one nervous. "I thought I'd have to hold on to it longer, but with everyone coming together, it just seemed right," he explains, his voice steady but tinged with relief.

"Thank you," I tell him, my gratitude profound. He's shared so much, and the weight of it must have been immense.

"There's more. For you, and for Georgia," he adds. His eyes lock onto mine with an intensity that makes my heart skip a beat.

I look at him with a puzzled expression, waiting for him to continue. The firelight dances across his face, casting a shadow that highlights his features, making his expression even more enigmatic.

"Hallie added a clause to the curse she placed on us. If the Fates ever brought us together without the mating call, the clock would begin again," he explains, his octave dropping to a whisper.

I hold my hand over my heart. My organ beats rapidly beneath my palm.

Damian steps closer, his presence a comforting warmth in the cool night. He gently brushes the hair away from the scar I usually hide. His fingers slide down my cheek, the touch tender and filled with unspoken emotions. "How did it happen?" he inquires, his voice trembling slightly.

I swallow hard, the memory flashing through my mind. "I turned my head to the side the first time I hung on the pole for a whipping from the girls' father. The whip caught my face," I whisper.

Damian's pupil grow wide with anger and sorrow. "I see a symbol. Nothing and no one had the power to keep us from finding our way to each other. Destiny always wins," he says with conviction.

His words resonate deep within me, a promise that no matter what obstacles we face, our destiny will prevail. And hopefully love one day.

I lean into his touch, finding solace in the strength of his presence. "We've come so far, and there's still so much healing my heart longs for. But knowing that destiny is on our side gives me confidence," I say, my voice steady despite the emotions swirling within me.

Damian nods, his eyes never leaving mine. "Together, we can face anything. The past, the present, and the future. We'll forge a future free from the circumstances that haunt us," he promises.

I fear if we continue, he'll lean in for a kiss that I'm not ready for. "You said you had a message for Georgia too," I say. My words tremble slightly with the effort to change the subject.

He nods, understanding my unspoken hesitation. "Let's go find her."

We walk hand in hand. The connection between us was comforting, yet tense with unexplored emotions.

The camp is lively, filled with the sounds of laughter and chatter.

We find Georgia watching Frank, giving piggyback rides to a group of children. A line has formed with eager participants, waiting their turn. Frank reacts as if he notices Georgia's gaze on him. He stops mid-piggyback ride, looks over, and winks at her.

"Georgia," I call out. A flush creeps up her cheeks, and she fans her face, clearly embarrassed that we witnessed this moment between her and Frank.

She looks over, still flustered. "Yes?"

"Damian said that Willow told him something about you," I explain, my tone gentle but urgent.

Eagerness beams in her face, a flicker of light in the darkness. "What did she say?"

Damian steps forward, his presence commanding attention. "The last witch, she saw what the Somes did to you. She extended your curse as well, to continue to protect you."

The light in Georgia's expression dims, replaced by a shadow of despair. "So, that's it. I'm…cursed…forever," she mumbles.

"No, not at all. Your freedom came as soon as we defeated the herd," Damian quickly reassures her.

Georgia's forehead widens with disbelief and tentative hope. "I'm free?" she whispers, as if saying it out loud might shatter the fragile reality.

Damian nods, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Yes, Georgia. You're free."

Tears well in Georgia's eyes. She looks over at Frank, who's still watching her with a tender smile. "I can't believe it," she gasps, her voice choked with emotion. "All this time, I thought I'd never be free."

"You are," I say, stepping closer and taking her hand. "And we're here with you, every step of the way."

Georgia pulls us into a hug. The embrace seems to signify more than happiness but a weight lifting with the promise of a new beginning. Around us, the camp continues its lively activities, clearly unaware of the profound moment unfolding in our small circle.

She pulls away and glances in Frank's direction again. Her face regards him with gratitude and affection. "He gave me my first chocolate bar today," she declares, her expression tinged with wonder. "I've been saving it. I think I'll try it now, as a celebration."

Georgia wipes away her tears, and a radiant smile spreads across her face. The anticipation of tasting something so simple yet special adds an extra sparkle to her eyes.

She carefully pulls the chocolate bar from her pocket. The wrapper crinkling as she unwraps it. The rich, sweet aroma wafts through the air, and she appears to take a moment to savor the scent before breaking off a piece.

"I've heard so much about chocolate," Georgia tells us, holding the piece up to the light as if examining a precious gem. "I can't believe I'm finally going to taste it."

She places the piece in her mouth. Her lids close as the chocolate melts on her tongue. A look of pure bliss spreads across her face, and she sighs with contentment.

"It's even better than I imagined," she whispers, opening her lids to look in Frank's direction. He has another kid attached to his back while he skips around in a circle. "Thank you for this, Frank. It's a perfect way to celebrate my freedom," she says to him, even though he's too far away to hear. Only he stops and nods at her, as if he'd heard every word.

Georgia breaks off another piece and offers it to me. "Here, share this moment with me," she insists.

I take the piece and pop it into my mouth.

"You too." She breaks off another piece and passes it to Damian. My heart melts a little more when he doesn't refuse her.

"Thank you, Georgia," he says with a kindness that I've only known from one other person.