3. Three

Three

CC

Eight years ago

“I try not to question you, Elementra. You’ve never led me astray, but I simply can’t understand this.”

Her whimsical, powerful laugh vibrates my entire body and I close my eyes at both the comfort and annoyance of the sound. I may have chosen my words poorly just now.

I tend to question everything.

“Yes, you do, in fact, question it all, but questions are allowed and encouraged. Just remember, you may not like the answers you seek, Seer.”

Sighing, I run my fingers through my hair, gripping the roots as I look around the grand room.

My subconscious always brings me here when I request her guidance. A marveling library with more knowledge and information than I could consume in a lifetime, yet anytime I touch the books, they fade to nothing.

Nothing more than figments of my own imagination.

My own desires.

Life would be simpler if I could lock myself away here and read to my heart’s fulfillment rather than travel the realm playing fates maker.

“The girl, the one you keep showing me. She’s just a child. What use could she possibly be in this war?” I ask.

It’s rich that I call her a child when I, myself, am barely an adult. By our standard of living, that is. Merely thirty and I’ve already assisted, many times, in shifting the fate of this realm. My most recent adventure to the cave’s portal proves that the growth of adolescence is sure to change. The beaten and bloodied sight of Iris was evidence enough that the days of remaining irresponsible into our hundreds are over. Really, the day I watched her emerge should’ve solidified that belief for me. I was holding out hope, I suppose.

Neither of us will be allowed that privilege.

Many will sacrifice that opportunity.

Nonetheless, I can’t shake the child’s sad silver eyes that haunt my dreams. The first time I saw them, I swore I was seeing Iris’s past. A glimpse in time before I led her to her future, but no, these eyes are slightly different. They’re tinged with a lavender hue that you can only see if you look closely. If you can manipulate time and the sight, you can catch the undertone. And unlike Iris, the child’s eyes are veiled in deep fear and sadness as though she has no clue what is going on.

“Girls do grow up to be women, Caduceus. That child has yet to even become. Her spirit still sits with me in the beyond, but she will be the end of this war. The last one of the line. One way or another,” Elementra says cryptically as always.

“What is that supposed to mean? And what does she have to do with me?” I ask frustratedly.

Again, Elementra’s laugh permeates the entire space, rattling my imaginary books and making my legs shake.

“Much must come to light before you get to know who she is, but when she does come, she will mean more to you than any other that walks this realm. She will mean more to you than even me. Have no fear, Seer, I will prepare you for her arrival.”

Blinking my eyes open, I stare up at the makeshift crystal stars that decorate the amplifier room and wrap my hand tightly around the Memoria stone that’s clutched in my fingers.

“I no longer need that memory, filia mea , you may have it,” I whisper to the stone, laying my lips to it gently as the encounter with Elementra leaves my mind and enters its new home.

Standing, I brush my hands down the wrinkles in my pants and stretch my body out. Jumping back into my own memories like that, hundreds of years ago, always takes a lot out of me, but that’s okay. I soon will have all the time in the realm to laze around, but for now, for a few more moments, there is much I must do.

Today is the day.

The wing is almost complete and Gaster is due to meet me here in just a few. Although he has no idea what for.

Making my way down the halls, I run my air over the light-colored walls, cleaning off any possible speck of dust. I smile at every fond memory that surfaces as I pass by each room. I let my heart fill with the feeling of love for each of my boys. The nephews my sister’s blessed me with, the rough and rowdy dragon that brings me more laughter in minutes than many get in lifetimes.

The boys who have become more of pseudo sons.

Passing by the room that Tillman will one day occupy when he feels like it, I allow the ivy to wrap around my wrist, and a boisterous laugh leaves me as I sink into my mind.

Staring up at the gargantuan tree, I shake my head. Why in the realm Tillman decided four hundred feet in the air was the perfect spot for a hideaway, I haven’t a clue, but if it brings him peace, so be it, I guess.

Fuck. Here goes nothing.

Swallowing down my fear of heights, I command my air beneath my feet and propel myself to the top. The second I hit the landing, I step as close to the door as possible and refuse to allow myself to look down.

It’s ridiculous I can travel through the fabric of realms without a second thought, but being this high up has me on the verge of keeling over .

Raising my hand to knock, ivy wraps around my arms and legs, inhibiting me from pounding on the door to wake Tillman, and a laugh bursts out of me.

“Come on, nephew, allow me entry.”

“Uncle Orien, surprised to see you up here before the sun. Haven’t pissed yourself yet, have you?” Tillman asks with a teasing smile as he opens the door.

“Har-har, hilarious. Please allow me in before I faint. I need a favor from you.”

His face grows serious, as expected. Tillman will never be one to turn away from helping his family, but he must let go of the quiet, rigid persona, though. It won’t be tolerated.

Internally, I laugh at what’s to come and allow him to hear the sound, only to tease him with a little peek inside my mind. My poor nephews have been trying their entire lives to get a glimpse of everything I do.

“It’s not that serious of a request if you’re laughing,” he says, arching his brow at me.

My, how he looks like Tilly when he does that.

“On the contrary, my boy, it’s very important,” I say, pulling out Corentin’s shirt from my back pocket.

Whistling low, grabbing the shirt from my outstretched hand, Tillman holds it in front of him before handing it back to me.

“You have a death wish, Uncle? Touching Corentin’s clothes without his permission.”

“He doesn’t even wear this shirt. Since you originally made it, when has he ever put it on?”

“Never, but that’s beside the point. For whatever reason, he asked for a light purple shirt. It doesn’t matter that it sits in the back of his closet. He asked for it,” Tillman says, trying again to hand it back to me, but I push it into his chest.

“And trust me, he will ask for another once he gets over being pissy that it’s gone. But I need you to do something with it.”

“Do something with Corentin’s stolen clothes?”

Chuckling, I shake my head as I look down at my feet.

These boys, I swear.

“Yes. I need you to make a dress out of this shirt.”

“A dress? Seriously?” he asks, incredulous.

“Yes, seriously,” I say, handing over a piece of parchment with Willow’s size written down. There’s plenty enough fabric to make it perfectly if he’ll just do as I ask. I hold my hand up when he opens his mouth and he halts his next question. “I’m sorry, Tillman, this is just one of those times when I can’t give you much. The dress is a present for a girl who needs it. That’s the most I can say.”

He looks at me contemplatively for a long moment, then glares down at the measurements. With a sigh and a clipped nod, he hands me the parchment back and his element coats the space. I sit in silence with a small smile on my lips as he gets to work molding the small purple sun dress and my heart thunders in my chest with happiness.

One day, he will know who he made this for.

“Is this good enough?” he asks as he holds it up.

“Perfect, my boy. One more thing, if you don’t mind. Will you wrap it for me?”

With an eye roll, he twists his hands around, creating a small box with a purple bow to match that I didn’t even ask for, and I have no doubt he’s wondering to himself why he did that, but I just stay quiet and smile.

“There. Anything else?”

“That’ll be all. Thank you, Tillman.”

“Yeah, yeah, don’t mention it. I’m going back to bed now if you don’t mind,” he grunts with a smirk on his lips as he turns from me.

Guilt quickly rises in my chest, but I swallow it down, whispering, “Of course. Sleep well, nephew.”

Muttering the spell, a small beam of light flashes from the Memoria stone around my neck to Tillman’s mind. He’s none the wiser as his body falls still as the last few minutes slink from his memory.

As our time together just now fades, I quietly backpedal out the door, then close it silently behind me. He’s hard and fast back to sleep as the light returns to the stone and I drift down the tree on a current of air as if I was never there.

One day, he will understand. They all will.

My feet touch the soil for a second as I envision the willow tree in the nonmagical realm, then open the transport. Moving from Elementra to the nonmagical used to take so much of my energy, but over the years, it’s become as easy as breathing.

In the span of a blink, the sight in front of me changes from the lively colors of Elementra’s landscape to the crowded forest that surrounds the willow that was once an oak.

Time sure changes a lot.

Well, as does Elementra’s interference, but I digress.

“You know it’s rude to tell the birthday girl to be out here before the sun comes up, then you show up late.” Willow’s voice sasses from behind me and I laugh as I spin on my heels to her.

“My sincerest apologies, Miss Priss.” I chuckle, pulling her in for a tight hug, and my finger gets caught in the knots of her curly hair. “Willow, did you not even brush this out before coming out here?” I tease, untangling the knot before I rip a chunk out.

“Well…” Her gaze leaves mine, and I follow the sight to the small pallet under the tree.

“Why did you camp out here?”

“Father had a business party last night, so I snuck out my window. It’s safer out here than in there,” she whispers and I pull her back into my chest.

“I’m sorry, filia mea.”

“Don’t be, it’s okay. Is that for me?” she asks with a forced smile that slowly becomes more earnest.

“It is, but my present first,” I say, pulling out the purple journal from my bag.

She squeals in delight as she opens it and my heart hurts at how excited she gets over the smallest of things. She refuses to talk about it, but the timidness she always had with the first few gifts I ever gave her showed that she’d never received anything in her life and didn’t know how to accept it. Now she’s like a child in a sweets shop every time she’s given something.

“The pages are enchanted and concealed from view. Only you and I can see it, but you only see what you write,” I tell her as she sticks her nose to the binding.

“This is perfect. Thank you so much,” she exclaims, giving me another firm hug.

“Now this present is from my nephews. The older two,” I say, handing her the box. Her face blushes a bright red as she tentatively brings the box to her chest.

“Oh my…” she says, carefully running her hands down the soft material before jerking her hand back. “I’m going to get it dirty.”

“That’s what washing machines are for, Willow.”

“Very funny…” She cuts her eye to me with a sly smirk, then looks back down at it. “I’d like to wear it today.”

“Today would be a perfect day for it. Go change behind a tree,” I tell her, turning around.

My gaze looks out over the vast, thick forest. The forest we’ve basically memorized over the last eight years since we first met and had our awakening. I imprint as much of it as possible on my memory, knowing it’s all about to change in just a few moments. It’ll be years and years to come before she remembers this as it was.

“So how do I look? It fits perfectly. The one with an earth element must be the one who made it, but I don’t know which is the other one…” she says lightly, spinning around, and the dress flares out. She brings one of the frilly layers up to her nose and takes a deep breath.

When her eyes open in shock and she takes a staggering step back, gripping her chest, my gaze softens as I send out a huge blast of air to barricade us in a dome.

“CC…what’s happening?” she asks, swaying.

“It’s okay, filia mea, don’t fight it,” I say gently.

Reaching into my bag, I pull out a rope made of vine and quickly tie myself to the willow tree while simultaneously whispering reassurances to Willow as she continues to sway and gasps for breath.

“CC, please. I can’t breathe. Wh-What’s going on?” she asks as her panic fully sets in.

Loosening my rope enough that I can reach her, I cup her cheeks in my hands and shush her quietly. “Everything’s okay, filia mea. You’re emerging. Don’t fight it. I have us protected. I promise. Let it out, my sweet girl,” I tell her, and when she gives me a small, scared nod, I step back as close to the tree as I can.

I tried my best to prepare her for this. She knew one day it would come and it would be painful, but I was never allowed to tell her exactly what to expect. Fuck, I’m not even sure I know exactly what to expect. Elementra loves to give me crumbs of information.

Her first scream is like a knife to the gut. It pierces straight through me, but I hold strong, for her. If she sees me crumble, it’ll make this so much harder for her.

“You’ve got this, Willow, it’s okay. Embrace the pain. Become one with it,” I coach as her limbs shake from her restraint.

She can barely nod in acknowledgment, but she does manage to take a deep breath. A breath that sucks every bit of air out of the space. The trees bend to her will and on her exhale, they’re forcefully released as though they were strapped down to a catapult. Branches, roots, whole trees crack and some are pulled from the ground as swirling vortexes of air fall from her fingertips.

“Everything’s okay. Don’t try to stop it. It’s okay, filia mea,” I yell repeatedly over the wild winds as she becomes frantic, screaming for it to stop.

Her petrified, watery eyes meet and hold mine, searching, begging for instructions.

“Close your eyes. Close your eyes and picture your ideal home. Everything you’ve ever wanted, think about it. Think about it so strongly, that’s all you can see in your mind. Let the rest go, my girl. Don’t worry about what is happening around you. Do it, Willow,” I order as agonizing sobs tear from her throat. I want nothing more than to release myself and hold her through this, but I can’t. It would be far too dangerous, and she needs to do this on her own.

Holding my breath, I clutch the rope tighter as her shoulders relax and her breathing levels out. The sudden change doesn’t fool me. If there’s one thing certain about my little girl, she can conquer anything. Everything. Even herself. She was a force to be reckoned with before these elements emerged, and she’ll be an even greater force afterward.

This is just her calm before her storm.

“It’s large, but so homey. There’s so much natural light, there’s no need for electricity or chandeliers. The rays of the sun warm my skin as I laze around, reading until my eyes hurt and my heart’s content. There’s always something to learn or an escape, or an adventure in the books. The walls are purple, of course they’re purple. Not bright like my favorite color, though. That might be too much, but a light purple. And there’s a willow tree in the middle of the room with books surrounding it. That’s only one room, but it’ll be my favorite. Aside from my bedroom. I’d like a big bedroom with a magical bathroom…There’s no pain. No hate. No fear. Just home…Yeah, I’d like that a lot,” she says softly with a smile on her face as the pain escapes her for a blissful minute.

When her eyes flash open to meet mine once again, they’re as violet as the Willowrrie flower her mother named her after and I see the beast begging to break free, but it’s not her time yet and she knows it. She’ll be here for her, though.

With a thundering roar, her knees hit the ground and mine do as well as the earth beneath me shakes and trembles violently. The air pouring off her shoves me back until I’m plastered to the tree, barely able to draw in any breaths, and together, the two elements decimate our surroundings. For hundreds of yards around us, the trees crumble as none are strong enough to withstand her power.

Her back bows and her arms stretch out beside her as a flood of water rushes from her palms, burying the fallen trees, bushes, all the foliage in a pond of her own making.

The wild rapids swallow everything whole before settling and sinking back into the earth. The water’s retreat causes a scream, piercing enough to bring tears to my eyes, to belt from her chest.

She rubs furiously at her skin as her blood begins to boil beneath the surface. I hold in my own sobs as her skin begins to bubble, but I refuse to take my eyes off her. I pray, beg, plead with Elementra to let her get through this.

This last one.

Let it free, filia mea.

Flames finally shoot from her fingertips and circle her body as she falls to all fours. When her palms slam into the ground, the fire spreads, drying the land completely until nothing remains but sand. The heat from the fire causes sweat to drip down my back and in seconds, my shirt is drenched, but I don’t dare budge or make any sudden moves toward her just yet.

As the last of the flames crawl back into her hands, with a grunt, she collapses to the ground, and the hold that her power had over the land snaps. It’s an eerie silence. The only noise to be heard right now is our labored breathing, but the sight is breathtaking. Scarily so.

If I hadn’t cast the dome, there’s no telling how far her powers would’ve flowed. There’s no doubt in my mind, Elementra herself bolstered my block.

My sweet girl is far, far more powerful than me.

Pride like no other swells in my chest as with a cough and a muttered ‘shit, that hurt,’ Willow rolls to her back, groaning and covering her eyes with her arm.

After quickly untying myself, I pull two healing vials out of my bag and race to her side.

“Here, filia mea. Drink,” I command lightly, smiling down at her.

“Worst birthday surprise ever,” she groans as I make her sit up.

Guilt nearly rips my heart out at her words because unfortunately, this will be a better remembered birthday surprise one day.

“You did amazing, Willow. I’m so proud of you,” I murmur, choking down my own emotions.

“You have a lot of explaining to do, CC.”

“Yes, yes, I do. But first, I’ll teach you how to grow some grass. I can’t stand the way sand feels when it gets stuck in my shoes.”

With a snort then a gasp, Willow gets her first glimpse at the clearing she created around her willow tree.

Gently unraveling the ivy from around my wrist, I lay my palm on Tillman’s door and smile. One day, he and Corentin will know their creation with that shirt triggered not only her emerging but her bonds’ realization that her Nexus was somewhere out there. It’d protect her, at least emotionally, in a way she could never understand.

Continuing my way down the halls, I allow the surfaces to bring forth my most treasured memories and I command each of them, those I can part with at this time, to filter from me into the Memoria stone.

Entering the lounge, I look around the open space and massive windows that for now only allow me the opportunity to see out and no one else to see in. This wing has become somewhat of a legend amongst the palace. No one’s allowed in but me, and my, does that drive my sister and the boys absolutely nuts.

Little do they know, this isn’t even my space, contrary to their popular belief.

Smirking, finding a semblance of joy in my secrecy, I turn around to glance at the grand bookshelf. There isn’t a row or spot empty. It’s overflowing with my most treasured reads and research, but this space is only a touch of the information I’m leaving behind for them. Everything else they will need can be found behind other doors of this wing and my own room in the central wing. A room believed to be long forgotten.

A tearful laugh falls from my lips as I recount a vision yet to come to fruition. My sweet, sweet Aurora. She’s going to have a field day to find out I was hiding in plain sight, just down the hall from her for years and years.

Checking my timekeeper, I only have ten more minutes before Gaster arrives, so I busy myself with straightening the already straight books and cleaning the already spotless surface of the shelves.

What else is there to do in your last few moments in this realm?

Running my fingers along the spines of the books appreciatively, I stop on the book that has the darkest of bindings and I swallow roughly.

Oh, my boy. Elementra has not allowed me to see much of your future. It’s far too murky and changes as rapidly as the tides, but I hope, pray, by the point in time you see this, Willow’s helped guide your way.

I beg you to find forgiveness in me.

Grabbing the copy of the Book of Shadows, I flip through the pages, letting the memory of how it came into my possession surface.

“I figured I’d find you here,” I say quietly as I enter the lounge of the mansion.

“Yes, where else should I be?” Caspian says, never taking his eyes off his book that he’s furiously scribbling in.

Once he finishes the sentence he was writing, he picks up his glass of whiskey, tosses it back as though it’s water, and my throat closes as guilt, regret, and so many other emotions try to take over.

“May I ask a favor of you, Cas? It’s important.”

His eyes shoot up to meet mine and I hold in a breath of relief to find him sober…for now. That relief is short-lived when I spot the resentment in his glare. It tears my heart in two.

Although I understand it.

I understand he feels betrayed, forgotten, and I wish more than anything I could take those emotions from him. But I can’t. It’s not time for him to know what comes yet and even if I did tell him the truth, right now, he’d only hate her more. Not love her as he should.

Therefore, I will endure his bitterness and love him through it.

“You can ask all you want.” He chuffs. His way of saying whether he grants said favor is debatable.

“I need to copy your Book of Shadows, as is,” I say, getting straight to the point. He doesn’t tolerate roundabout ways of things, so might as well get it over with.

“Yeah, not happening.”

“Caspian, please. It’s important.”

He leans back, crossing his arms over his chest, staring me down. I already know what he’s going to ask.

“Tell me why it’s important and I’ll consider it.”

Releasing a deep breath, it’s frustrating all the same even if I knew the question was coming. I wish I could tell him every single secret I hold in my mind. If I could, I would in a heartbeat so it would heal this pain, this hatred within him. That’s not my job, though. I’m not allowed to.

“There is a teenager who recently emerged. They’re having a very rough go. They…they’ve experienced much of the same things you have, and they need some guidance, not just books written based on facts, but experience.”

“What do you mean they’ve experienced much of the same things?” he asks darkly, sitting up a little straighter.

“You know what I mean, Cas, but that’s as much as I will speak on it. It’s not my story to tell,” I say firmly.

He may grit his teeth, but there’s a hint of respect in his eyes. It bothers him not knowing the whole story, but he appreciates me not gossiping as others do to him.

“There’re things in my book that no teenager has business reading,” he says, slamming said book shut.

“There’s nothing written in there that will surprise said teenager. I can assure you. Unfortunately.”

His eyes shut down as his darkness descends. It’s a place he goes to often when he needs to be protected. A place he is slowly but surely making his home. Just as she is and if she’s not pulled back soon, it’ll swallow her whole.

Unlike my nephew, all she has is me, and sadly, I can’t be with her twenty-four seven.

“I’ll allow you to make a copy if you vow no one will see inside but this random teenager, and they can’t know it’s mine,” he says, clipped.

“I can vow that no one will see inside but them and me. I’ve already seen, hence why I’m asking for a copy. I wouldn’t have known to ask you without the sight showing me,” I tell him honestly. It’s as close to the full truth as I can give him.

“Fine,” he grits out angrily, “but I’ll be with you when you make the copy. The old man, not Tillman.”

He stands from his seat forcefully and stomps past me out the doors of the lounge. I tilt my head back, blowing out a breath, begging Elementra for some patience.

By the time I make it down the stairs in the mansion, he’s already gone, so I transport to Gaster’s front steps and find the two of them standing there, waiting for me.

“Let me see it then,” Gaster says quietly, no doubt sensing the tension surrounding us. Caspian hands his book off with a huff and in just a few seconds, there’s an exact replica made.

Passing both versions over to Caspian, he flips through them quickly, checking for accuracy. He hesitates only for a moment—his brief show of vulnerability—then hands me the copied version.

“Thank you, Cas, and I’m sorry.”

“For what?” he asks as I lay my hand on his shoulder, as well as Gaster’s .

Muttering the memory spell, the concealed Memoria stone lights up, and the two of them fall unnaturally still as the last few moments in time get stolen away from them, replaced with new ones. I forcefully swallow down the bile and tears clogging my eyes.

This never gets easier.

Every memory taken without permission slices away at me and the only thing that keeps me pushing through is the knowledge of what’s to come from all of this.

“As I said, you can’t tell your mother that Gaster and I are teaching you how to use your shadows to pass through her detection and tracking spells. It’ll be our heads if she finds out. You’ll have to take full blame once she does.”

Caspian crosses his arms, looking between Gaster and me with disbelief coloring his features. He’s been asking for her to remove the detection and tracking spells she has on him for years. For the first few years, he tolerated it. But it’s been nine years since his kidnapping and knowing she is monitoring his every move is only making him angrier, more resentful toward every adult in his life.

I’ve known for some time now, we were going to teach him this. I’ve already explained to Aurora that it had to happen, but he doesn’t need to know that yet. He needs to relearn how to have conversations with his mother.

“You’re really going to teach me? What if she flips out? I don’t want to deal with that shit.”

“She isn’t going to flip out, but it will spark a conversation that needs to be had between the two of you. It’s time you talk to her about your boundaries, and you need to understand her concern isn’t stemming from controlling you but wanting you safe. Regardless, yes, it’s time for you to know how to utilize your shadows in situations such as this, so we will teach you.”

A mischievous smile, one I haven’t seen in years, takes over his face as he rubs his hands together with the thrill of having his full freedom so close to his grasp. I already know I won’t regret this decision, so Gaster and I waste no time jumping right into teaching him.

Closing the book, I release another deep breath as I allow that memory to escape me as well .

I, of course, will always hold a sliver of regret about the memories I’ve taken from the ones I love, but this situation really and truly paid off. Cas grew to be able to speak openly to Aurora, sometimes too bluntly if I’m being honest, and Willow…

Willow memorized that book in a matter of days. She was approaching her seventeenth birthday when I gave it to her, and Franklin’s sessions of blood draining had picked up increasingly. It was to the point she stayed in a disassociated state. Reality was too much for her to bear sometimes.

Reading the things Cas had written in his book opened her eyes to many things. Firstly, and no dig at Caspian whatsoever, she said she felt like she was becoming this person, and she didn’t want to become jaded. She wanted to stay happy in the moments that mattered. She swore that if she ever met the owner of that book, she’d pull them from their darkness if it was the last thing she did.

It was so hard not to share his secrets, but I never did. I always just hoped and prayed she would be right one day.

A subtle vibration across my skin lets me know that Gaster just entered the foyer of the south wing, so gently, I return the Book of Shadows back to its rightful place on the bookshelf and exit the ward to meet him.

“What in the realm could you need of me this early in the morning, Caduceus? Today is a day of celebration. Waking before the sun is punishment,” Gaster gripes teasingly, but his curious eyes observe the ward that he desperately wants to see behind.

Poor thing.

“I need your help in the wing for a minute if you have time for me, old man.” I smirk as his eyes widen, then narrow.

“I’m in my prime, thank you very much, and is this some twisted joke of yours? You haven’t allowed anyone to enter this ward in—”

“Over two hundred years. Yeah, yeah, I get it.”

Again, he looks surprised, but in a few moments, he’ll understand how it is I knew he was going to say that. “Well, do you care to help or not?”

“Of course I want to help. What kind of question is that? ”

Chuckling at his enthusiasm, I lay my hand on his shoulder and walk us back through the ward. As we pass, I also release the memories of his that I’m holding hostage in the Memoria stone.

Gripping his elbow to steady him as he sways, I pass over one of his own healing vials to ease the sickness that comes every time this happens, and I wait for the tongue-lashing that’s to come.

“Orien Caduceus Vito, I should have your neck. Countless times you’ve done this to me.”

“Yes, and I’m sorry, for the millionth time, but it will all make sense soon. I swear. Plus, as you most certainly remember, you agreed to help me in here and knew you’d be giving away your memories until the time was right for them to be returned.”

“Fine, yes, yes, I remember,” he says, waving me off as he looks around at all the work we’ve put into this wing.

He knows, at least for the moment, that I’ve never lived here. I do work and use the amplifier room in this wing, but I’ve reserved, decorated, and redefined this space for Willow and the boys. They’ll need a space that is theirs without the dark cloudy memories that the east, west, and central wings carry with them.

I haven’t even allowed my sister entry here.

“So what’s the finishing touch?” Gaster asks.

“A willow tree. Right here,” I say, pointing to the empty spot between the bookshelves.

“A willow tree? Really?”

“Yes. It’ll make sense soon enough.”

I describe in detail exactly what I want, need, the tree to look like. Down to the texture of the bark. I leave nothing out and by the third time I ask him if he can picture what I’m describing, he gives me a warning glare and I shut up.

With a huff and an eye roll that cause me to laugh through the tears that want to fall, I watch silently as he gets to work.

My entire life, Gaster has amazed me. The millennia he’s been alive have taught him so much, and it’s fascinating, an honor to be able to witness it up close and personal .

Fuck, I’m going to miss him so much. So fucking much it hurts.

As a single tear finally falls, I quickly wipe it away before he turns around and sees. Over the years, I’ve mastered blocking my aura from him, but with the knowledge of what’s to come in the next few hours, I have no confidence in my ability to hide my emotions from him.

Like the unreal expert craftsman he is, an exact replica of Willow’s tree in her forest begins to grow. It’s absolute perfection and I beam as it flourishes before my eyes.

“To your liking, CC?” he asks sarcastically and rubs his hands together.

“It’s more than I could’ve expected, Gaster,” I say, choking back the emotion clogging my throat.

“What’s wrong, my boy?” he asks, immediately sensing an issue.

“Everything’s fine. Just as it’s supposed to be. Thank you so much for helping me with this, with all of this. It’s perfect.”

He stares at me, unconvinced, but I don’t waver. I don’t allow my heartache and grief to shine through. Instead, I smile brighter, relishing the memories of him and all he’s done for me. All the stages of love he’s shown me and will continue to show my Willow.

“Well then, what are you up to for the rest of the day?” he finally asks.

“I have some errands to run, but I’ll be by your cottage in a little while if that’s okay?”

“Of course it is. I’ll be there with the tea ready.” The smile on his face stabs me right through my heart, but I suck it up and allow the pain to sink beneath my skin. “I guess this is the part where you steal my memories back?”

“Yeah, this is the part,” I whisper softly.

I want to laugh at his sigh, but I can’t bring myself to do it. It’s taking every bit of mental strength I have to shove down the urge to spit the truth out, tell him today is my last day in this realm with him, but I can’t do that, for it’ll ruin the last two hundred years of work.

So instead, with a heavy heart and soft touch, I lead him back through the ward, taking his memories with every step. I transport us to his cottage while the Memoria stone continues to do its thing and I walk us until we’re in his kitchen .

Mindlessly, he begins preparing his kettle for his morning coffee, followed by his tea fix. As the light between the stone and him grows dimmer, I step back until I’m out his door, where I lean my forehead to the old wood and collect myself as the light fully fades out.

This is the way it must go, Orien.

Go see the boys.

Pushing away from his door, I take the steps down two at a time and hurriedly make my way before he notices me and comes outside.

Taking a moment for myself, rather than transport, I glance around. I gaze at the trees that’ve changed so much over the last couple hundred years, the grounds that are greener, trimmed to perfection. The boys have come here their whole lives, but now that this is their permanent residence, their energies alone have already started shaping the land. They don’t even recognize the changes yet, but their solidarity, their love for one another, has made the bond in the land blossom right alongside their own.

I’m so proud of them. They haven’t the slightest clue.

As my eyes take in the shimmering surface of the pool, my gaze grows hazy, and I pause my steps, allowing the vision to surface for me. I wasn’t expecting one last vision on my last day, but it’s a welcome distraction. Sometimes the sight gives me gifts rather than disappointment.

“Corentin, my boy, may I have a moment with you? Maybe some breakfast. I need to talk to you about some things.”

I sit silently in my mind as my heart races and bile collects in my mouth. Playing out before me is a vision that can go one of two ways.

One we have the conversation and everything changes.

Not for the better.

If he accepts my invitation, I must tell him all my plans. Everything that’s to come. He’ll rally his brothers together and instead of my life being the one to end today, he’ll lose both Tillman and Draken in battle. That starts the chain reaction of Caspian’s and his downfall. Willow will make it to Elementra but as a slave, and she’ll never have her true Nexus. Her soul will rot away until she’s nothing more than a weapon.

The fate of the realm will be decided .

Or the second scenario, he declines, and everything stays how it is. The carefully laid out plans, my acceptance of my death, Willow’s future. Their future. It all stays guaranteed as long as he rejects me.

As the vision releases my mind, my body shakes uncontrollably with a pent-up rage that burns hotter than the sun. How? Why?

“Answer me, Elementra,” I demand.

“Today is the day of days. Many have a choice to make. Every choice will change the path. This is Corentin’s. His decision will warp every choice made from this moment forward. Much will be determined today, Seer. Stay on the path you’ve planned for now.”

She shoves me out of my mind when I attempt to push for more. She doesn’t allow it. For the first time in many, many times I’ve called on her, she doesn’t answer, leaving me to make the decision on my own.

Closing my eyes, I breathe through the turmoil waging war within me. It’s a brutal battle that I’m not confident I’ll win. The walls are closing in around me. The deep regret I’ve felt over the years lying to my family, how I’ve had to keep the boys in the dark, how Willow only gets the partial truth of everything.

My poor sister. How last night at dinner, I had to pretend everything was fine. I unlocked their memories for a short time so we could talk freely. Then when I took them back again, I spent hours laughing with her and my Brethren-Nexus because I knew it was our last moments together.

It’s too much to sacrifice now. I’ve come to terms with what must happen. I’ve accepted I will have to love them all from the beyond.

The last two-hundred-plus years can’t be for nothing.

“Uncle Orien, you good?”

Turning on my heel, I force a small smile on my face as I take in Tillman. Dressed from head to toe in E.F. gear, it’s obvious he’s preparing to start his morning workout then hit the academy.

I take him in from head to toe and let a genuine smile creep out. He’s truly the much, much larger version and well, male version of my late sister. Fuck, how she’d be so proud of him.

“Oh yes, I’m fine. Just stuck in my head, that’s all,” I say with a chuckle as I tap my temple.

“Uh, I know how that is. You’re here early today.”

“Duty of the realm calls, so I’ll be gone for…a while. I wanted to come see you all before I left.”

“A mission? Where? Do you need backup? Me and Cas can join,” he says sternly but also enthusiastically.

He’s going to make a killer leader.

“It’s a solo trip, I’m afraid,” I say as I tap my head again. He knows all too well that means I’ve seen something they can’t know and of all my nephews, he accepts that quicker than any other.

“Well, be careful. Debrief when you get back?”

“We’ll have our time for a debrief. May I ask a favor before I go?”

He snorts, shaking his head as if it’s mental that I still ask permission from him for favors. “Of course. What can I make for you?”

“A couple things if you will. I need a wooden box with yellowish-brown coloring. Like a jewelry box. With a surface as fine, as smooth as you can get it and a bronze hinge that locks it together. A block of silver. And a fireproof stone bowl.”

A booming laugh bursts free of him, one joyous, humorous enough the ground beneath my feet shakes and I can’t help but join in. It’s a wondrous sound when my burly nephew lets it ring free.

“That’s quite the concoction. One I didn’t expect.”

“You never know when all three of those things can come in handy, nephew.”

He runs his hands down his face, wiping away the small laughter still pouring from his lips, and gives me an easy smile.

First, he whips up the block of silver and tosses it in the air a few times before handing it over. Followed by the stone bowl. He’s had to get proficient at making everything fireproof with Draken around and in no time, he passes me a bowl that I have no doubt could survive being dropped in Pyra’s mouth.

Finally…the box. He takes his time with this creation. Mapping it out in his mind before molding the item in front of him. Countless times, he gently runs his hands over the surface, smoothing it out until it’s flawless. He unhooks and hooks the hinge repeatedly, verifying its durability. And lastly, he holds it up to his face and blows away the dust covering it.

Flawless.

“Thank you so much,” I say with a smile.

She’s going to love it.

“No problem, Uncle. I got to hit this trail, then get to the academy, but I’ll see you after this secret mission,” he says, smiling proudly as he hands me the box and turns to take off.

“Yeah, I’ll see you, Tillme,” I whisper.

Tilly and Tillme.

Exhaling, I pull the last few moments from his mind. Only the bits of him making these three items for me. I replace those moments with me telling him how I know he’s going to be a great leader, just like his mom and dads were. Hell, even better.

Turning, heading toward the mansion whilst wiping my watering eyes, I put the items he just made me on the patio table and check my timekeeper. Shit. I’m running out of time, so I don’t waste another emotional second and head straight for the boys’ hallway.

I don’t push my way in, but I do lay my hand on the door that I know will be Willow’s. One day, they’ll make that room just for her. Perfect to her liking.

Passing by Draken’s room, I smother a laugh as his loud, unpitched singing filters through his door, and I decide to come back to him when he’s done taking his shower. Wild one that boy is. His carefree craziness calls to you like a beacon. What joy he’s brought into my life.

When I round the corner, I choose to go to Caspian first before making my way to Corentin. Taking a deep breath, I knock. Then wait. Then knock again. As the silence stretches and no answer comes, a lump forms in my throat and my heart splits open.

I’m too late to see him. He’s already left.

Leaning my forehead to his door, I send him my love, my apologies, my pride. Everything I feel for him, I send into his room.

Elementra, one day, let him understand .

I use my air to dry my face and hide the evidence of my sorrow. Corentin will be able to see right through me if I don’t. I’ve never met someone who’s so finely tuned to everyone and everything around him.

Approaching his door, I choke my fear down. It’s now or never.

Time for your decision, nephew.

Exhaling, I knock at the same time to hide the harsh sound of my breath falling from my lungs and wait patiently.

“Come in,” he calls out, less patiently.

“Corentin, my boy, may I have a moment with you? Maybe some breakfast. I need to talk to you about some things,” I ask somewhat cheerily.

“Is it important, Uncle Orien? I’m in the middle of Advanced Enchantments,” he says, not bothering to take his eyes off the books.

“Advanced Enchantments? You still have two years until you need that class,” I say as I tuck my hands in my pockets and lean against the doorframe.

“Yes, well, I’ve decided I won’t be waiting until I’m fifty to take the Headmaster role. Headmaster Rux is doing well enough, been a family friend of Mom and my dad’s for years, but I don’t like the direction he’s moving the academy. So I’ll complete my studies early, begin my apprenticeship, finish it in two years, then take over in the role at thirty. That’s four years from now. Plenty of time.”

Pride bursts from my heart as I stare down at him where he mindlessly continues to flip pages, write notes, shake his head, grunt. He just throws one hundred percent of himself into the books. Fully dedicated. Once his mind is made up, that’s that.

I’ve seen this. There are two ways it will go.

Good luck with this argument, sister.

“I’m so very proud of you, Corentin, and I love you so much.”

His insistent scribbling stops as he finally looks up at me and I mask everything I’m feeling. I slow my breathing and regulate my pounding heart as his gaze tracks me from head to toe.

“Everything okay?” he asks, arching a brow .

“Everything’s fine. As I said, I just wanted to see if you had a moment for breakfast and a chat.”

He sighs deeply, laying his pencil down, and my ears ring. Everything inside of me screams.

Pick the pencil back up. Pick it up.

Send me on my way.

Please, my boy.

“I don’t mean to be rude, Uncle Orien, but I need to finish this. I don’t really have time. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. It’s okay. Don’t let me distract you from your studies. You’re going to do amazing things, Corentin,” I say softly, standing back up straight, preparing to leave before he changes his mind.

“Thanks, Uncle. I’ll see you later. Please shut the door on your way out,” he says as his eyes find the words on the pages once more.

Smiling warmly at him, I back out and shut the door as he asked.

Thank you, Core.

Hastily pushing from his door, I lay my hand to Cas’s once more as I pass by, knowing it’s still empty inside, and I jog down the hall to catch Draken before I miss him as well. The moment I approach his room, there’s nothing but silence on the other side, and I pull at the roots of my hair.

Fuck, I can’t have missed him too.

Transporting to the back patio, I quickly grab the box, silver, and bowl off the table where I left them, then turn to check the back lawn. Air whooshes from my lungs as I spot Draken walking out across the green grass and the relief that washes over me makes my body slump.

“Draken, wait up,” I call out, jogging toward him.

“Uncle Oreo. Thought I heard you talking to Corentin,” he says happily, wrapping his arms around me in a hug, lifting me off my feet.

I can’t help but laugh. That nickname has stuck since I slipped up once and spoke about an Oreo cookie. I convinced him it was a delicacy that’s long been forgotten but I’d try to make it for him one day.

That day never came, sadly .

“Yeah. Trying to track down all of you this morning. Busy boys you are. You headed to the academy?”

“I need to fly first. My dragon’s a little worked up this morning. Hate to scare any of the pups in class today so…” He laughs it off, but I see the shame shining through and I bite my tongue. This boy just doesn’t understand how spectacular he is.

“Don’t worry about the wolves. They’re just jealous they can’t fly,” I say with a wink.

“Exactly. Bitches. Anyways, you want to come up with me? Promise no flips this time,” he says with an unconvincing smirk that I know is a lie.

“Wish I could, nephew, but there’s business I need to attend.”

“Damn. Next time then,” he says disappointedly as he squeezes my shoulder.

“Next time…May I ask a favor of you before you go, Draken?”

“Sure, Oreo. Whatcha got?”

“I need you to melt this silver down for me.”

He snorts, shaking his head, looking over the block that I pass to him. “My fire isn’t hot enough to melt silver. You know that.” He chuckles, tossing the brick at me.

“Your fire may not be…yet. But your dragon’s will. Give it a go for me, yeah?”

If only he knew what that majestic beast inside of him is truly capable of. One day he will.

“You really think so?” he asks with wide eyes.

“I know so. Go on, shift and give it a go. The worst that’ll happen is it won’t melt. No harm.”

With a cocky smirk, he runs off farther into the lawn and I hold my breath, mesmerized. I’ll never grow tired of watching his dragon break the skin. How amazing it is to see a blessing from multiple realms take form.

Auburn scales and blazing blue eyes flicker in existence before me, and I smile at the wonder of Draken. He’s truly breathtaking.

“All right, my boy, listen to me carefully. Start building in your chest. Grow your flame to the point you feel like you can’t hold it in any longer. Once you feel the tingle in the back of your throat, let it flow. Directly at this bowl now. It’s fireproof, so it will hold,” I yell up to his massive twenty-foot size.

At his nod, I backpedal out of the way so I don’t end up burned to bits. When he notices I’m far enough away, he shakes his wings out, steadying his feet, and takes a deep breath.

I watch, infatuated, as his enormous chest begins to expand and if I listen closely enough, I can hear the crackling of his fire gathering. Lowering his head, he aims his snout right for the bowl, and fiery red flames pour from his throat with a screech. The heat forces me to cover my face with my forearm and I stumble back another step.

As the temperature starts to fade, I drop my arm and rush over to the bowl. Staring down, there’s a soup of mercury floating in it, and I jump up and down laughing before ambushing him.

“Fantastic, dragon. I told you, you could. Never doubt yourself, Draken.” I cheer as I hug and pat his face.

With a chuff and a nudge, he tilts his head to the sky and lets out a victorious roar. The sound travels for miles through the air and my heart triples in size with my pride for him.

“Take to the sky, dragon,” I whisper to him and lay my forehead on his scales. Slowly, I pull this moment from his mind and replace it with a happy, joyous conversation. One where I tell him how proud I am and how I believe his dragon is the greatest blessing in Elementra.

His massive wings beat three times when I step back, and his claws leave the earth.

One day, dragon, you won’t fly alone.

You’ll never be lonely again.

Bending down to the bowl, I wrap a small, controlled air bubble around it so I can carry it to Gaster without searing my skin. This will be the perfect amount, and he’ll know exactly what to do.

I don’t even make it to his steps before his door opens and he greets me with a warm, loving smile.

“CC, my boy. What’s got you out here so early?”

I plaster on the fake, happy smile I’ve had to wear so many times. “Came to ask for your creative assistance if you don’t mind,” I say, lifting my hands to show him everything I have.

“My, my, melted silver. How in the realm did you melt it?” he asks as he creates mittens for his hands and takes the bowl from my bubble.

“Not me. Draken.” I beam.

“You continue to encourage him, and he’s going to burn the forest down. Tillman will have a field day.”

“He needs encouragement. He shouldn’t fear what he is capable of but embrace it fully. You have books on the dragons of Essemist Keep, yes?”

“Of course I do.”

“Allow him to read some. It’ll do him good. It’ll give him something to enjoy learning,” I say.

Gaster snorts, shaking his head while he lays out everything I’ve brought with me across his dining table. “The boy hates to read, but I will offer them to him if you insist. Now, tell me, what is it we’re doing?”

Pulling the Memoria stone from around my neck, I reveal its appearance and slyly smirk at his audible gasp. Tracing my finger over it, I carefully remove it from the leather wrap I’ve always carried it in.

“By your astonishment, you know what this stone is, yes, old man?”

“Where in the realm did you procure a Memoria stone, Orien Caduceus Vito? You know the dangers that come with this stone,” he harshly whispers, looking out his window as if someone is spying on us.

“I do, but it won’t be in my possession for much longer. It’s going to be put somewhere safe, but I need you to do something for me before then.”

He looks at me warily before giving me a clipped nod. I could laugh at how many times I’ve received that look in my lifetime. It’ll never get old. If only he remembered all the shit I’ve asked him to do.

“I need you to wrap the stone in the silver. Make it into a necklace. I need it to be intricately knotted and barricaded in the casing of a willow tree. Use your imagination on the design,” I say softly, passing the stone over to him. I hold in my chuckle as he holds it in the palm of both hands as if it’s a newborn.

“That’s all?” he asks quietly .

“No, but that is step one. Take your time. Whilst you do that, I need to borrow some parchment,” I say, gently clapping his shoulder as I walk by him, to which he glares at me.

Leaving him be in his living room, I make my way to his small, crammed full of shit office, and sit at his desk. Staring around the space, I think about all the things he’s taught me in here. I mourn the thought that after today, he will move all of this out and spread it across his cottage. But I take comfort in the fact he’ll make this area a guest room that Willow will one day use when my boys act like fools.

Laughing to myself, I pick up the pen and stare down at the parchment in front of me. I write one small letter, a joke if you will, then my laughter slowly turns to sobs as the words flow freely on the next parchment.

Knowing Caspian, he’s away in his pocket dimension or eliminating the wrong that walks this realm. I don’t want to admit it, but it’s probably for the best we do not see each other today. Caspian has a sixth sense of when death is in the air, and he would stalk me if he knew my time has come.

So I pour my love into the parchment. I let what I can of the truth flow out so he understands the decisions I made. I let him know just how much I love him and how proud I am of him. Not many are made the way he and Willow are. They will find strength and balance in one another that no other will understand.

She will find the missing parts of herself in each of them.

Together, the five of them will make each other whole.

Sealing his letter up, I mutter to it quietly, “Conceal the sight from his prying eyes, only reveal my words when his heart accepts the ties.”

Opening a transport, I send the letter to a place he will only find once the time is right. Not a moment before, not a moment after. When he needs it the most, it will reveal itself.

Blowing out a steady breath, I move to the next piece of parchment and smile down.

Willow,

Happy birthday, filia mea.

Wear the necklace and don’t take it off, no matter what .

It will all make sense soon.

CC, xoxo

After folding her letter up, I bring it to my lips gently. This will accompany both the worst and best birthday present I could ever give her.

Standing, I grab an envelope and hold on to the pen as I make my way back out of Gaster’s office and into his living room. As I step into the room, he lets out a great sigh, and I watch as he slowly lowers the necklace down on the table. I don’t have to see it to know whatever he did is going to be perfect, but still, I grow nervous with every step I take.

I hum happily as my eyes catch sight of it.

Laid out perfectly on the table, the purple Memoria stone shines brighter than any star in the night sky in its new casing. The silver is delicately woven together at the base, creating the trunk of the tree, as thinner cords spread out, forming its branches. Around and around the rim the silver tangles to establish a protective shell that will no doubt hold it in place no matter what comes out of my girl at any given time.

A thin but indestructible chain slips through the anchor at the top, completing the masterpiece.

“It’s everything and more, Gaster. Truly beautiful. Brilliant,” I murmur, running my hand across it.

“Are you going to tell me who it’s for?” he asks, arching a brow.

“Her name is Willow. Would you mind, actually, engraving that on this box, please?”

“Willow, you say. Is she a special lady?” he asks and I visibly gag.

He’s going to understand why that is so vile once his memories are returned and I hope it embarrasses him.

“An important lady,” I grumble, and he laughs mischievously as though he’s caught me.

“Well, let me get busy then.”

With unwavering concentration, he scripts her name across the lid of her box. His cursive writing is one he rarely uses nowadays because most of the younger generation can’t read it, but her name is clear as day. Perfect.

“Aht, aht. You can’t just lay that necklace in a wooden box. You’re going to damage it, careless boy.” He fusses at me as I attempt to do just that.

Pushing my hands away, he calls forth his element once more and creates a bed of silver silks that cover the bottom of the box in soft layers. Just right for the necklace to lie on top of.

“Thank you,” I say.

“Is today her birthday?” he asks.

“It is.” I smile.

“What a magical, wonderful, wonderful day. Off you go then. Don’t leave the birthday girl waiting, and you two enjoy yourselves. Please tell her happy birthday from me.”

“Will you seal this for me?” I ask, passing him her letter.

His element glides across the parchment, pouring a glob of wax on the fold, imprinting it with an impression of a willow tree.

“Gaster, I can’t even begin to thank you for all you’ve done for me. You’ve been my father, my mentor, my best friend. The realm’s most amazing Guardria . You’re my greatest blessing and I only hope I’ve made you proud.” I breathe as I pull him in for a tight hug.

“Oh, CC, my boy. That means more to me than you will ever know. You’re a blessing. Every day. I couldn’t thank Elementra enough for bringing you into my life.”

My tears slowly track down my face and when he attempts to pull away from me, I hold on harder as I command these past few moments from his mind. I replace them with us enjoying a nice cup of coffee in the rocking chairs out front. I tell him that the sight is sending me away, but I’ll return in due time. All in all, I give him a blissful, uninterrupted hour of time together. Laughing, joking, teasing, and teaching. Everything that over hundreds of years have brought us closer.

Grabbing the box off the table, I back away from him slowly, letting my heartache pour out of me before he comes to and senses it.

It’s a strange feeling mourning when you’re still alive. Knowing you’re going to die in just a short time but you can’t tell everyone you love. In my two hundred and fifty-two years of life, I’ve known for two hundred and thirty-seven of those that this was the day I’d die. I just didn’t know the adventure I’d be sent on in the meantime.

Closing my eyes as my feet hit the porch, I transport out.

There’re a couple more stops until my final destination.

Opening my eyes, groaning, my insides feel like they’re shrinking to nothing, and I use my shaky hands to pull some cloth from my pocket to clean some of the blood off me before Willow arrives. She’s going to go into full panic mode when her eyes land on me, but I do my best to conceal the worst of the worst.

Leaning my head back against her willow tree, I use what energy I have left to reach around me and pull her present through the pocket dimension in the trunk. I’m careful not to sully her box with my blood, and I lay it gently on the ground beside me as I close my eyes again and breathe through the pain.

“Elementra?”

“Yes, Seer.”

“I ask one more favor of you. Please.”

“You’ve succeeded in all that I have asked, plus more. Ask what you please, Orien Caduceus Vito.”

“I’m not ready to leave her, not completely. I want to see what she grows to be. What she and the boys become. The small bits I’ve been fortunate to see are not enough. I want to be a part of their lives. I ask for more,” I say, sobbing as the pain spreads through every part of me and of my reality. I’m truly dying. I will have to leave them all.

I thought I’d prepared myself better, but that was a na?ve assumption.

Elementra’s power washes over me, only to calm me because even she can’t stop what has already begun and I relish her feeling of home, comfort.

“Your request comes with a decision. Whichever choice you make, I will honor.”

Her otherworldly essence flows across my mind, and the options available to me become clear.

In either option, my Willow must endure horrors I can’t bear to watch, but I force myself to so she is not alone. Neither choice will alleviate that for her, but one choice gives me time with her. Forever with her. With them all.

Picking up her box from beside me, I open the lid and move her envelope over so I can see her stone.

“CC! Oh my God, oh fuck. Are you okay?”

As if my thoughts alone summoned her, my greatest blessing falls to her knees, dropping the box in her hand, shrieking beside me. With shaky fingers, she traces the markings of the beating I took.

“Wh-What happened?”

“Everything’s going to be okay, filia mea .”

Looking down at her stone again, I gently run my fingers across it.

“Tell me, Seer. Is this a present for today or another?”

“Another.”