Sy followed me.
As I stalked back into my room, he stepped in behind me.
“Little one, you appear distressed.”
“Do I?” I snapped. “I can’t imagine why.”
“I do not do this to hurt you.”
“Then why do you have to go, Sy?”
He sat on the bed, touching the blankets uncertainly.
“I have lived many years. I know the signs when things are changing.”
He gazed out the window towards the mountains. “I sense it once again.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means the balance is shifting again. I can feel it in the world the way the sea feels the moon.”
“And this book will help you?”
“The book contains ancient prophecy, spoken by my ancestors and recorded for this very purpose. But the book is not easy to find. That is why I must go.”
“Why do you need to take Ash?”
“Because he will be needed. I am sorry this does not make sense to you.” He met my eyes.
“Please understand, it pains me to leave your side. I would not do it if there were another way.”
“I won’t go if you need me to stay,” Ash said from the doorway.
He stepped in, his hands in his hoodie.
I fought to stop my lip from trembling. I caught the way Ash looked at Sy with pure reverence, like Sy was a god.
And who was I to take that away from him?
“Will you come back to me?” I asked, my voice small.
Ash crossed the room to me. “Always.”
I scrubbed the tear away angrily. I looked at Sy. “Both of you.”
Sy softened slightly. “I promise.”
I stared at them both. “I’m going to hold you to that. Do you understand?”
Sy smiled and it changed his whole face. “I expect nothing less.”
“Elliot said you’ll train with Dev. Do that and you won’t miss us at all,” Ash said.
I already miss you.
I swallowed. “A few days only.”
“We will come home to you as soon as we can. Please, stay safe.” Sy said.
