When you came through the divide you knew nothing of this world.
You crossed with only your hope that it would be worth it.
Was it?
I thought of Lioran, Fyn, and Cora…my family. The family I always wanted, they were there for me always.
“Yes, it was.”
Go into Myrwood Grove with the same hope.
Embrace your days with those you love while you have them.
We never know when our days may be our last.
You will never regret the moments you take with those you love.
“I just wanted…” I couldn’t bring myself to say the rest. My eyes closed as I pictured the life with Lioran all over again—all the things we would not have.
What you want is beautiful.
Allow yourself to have those thoughts, those dreams—stopping them does nothing, but deprive you of joy.
“Do you think I will die?”
I think you live a beautiful life…
revel in it as long as you can.
Live, Aelira.
He was right; it wasn’t over yet. I would choose to live until I couldn’t any longer.
I barely slept that night, nor did Cora. Our tears filled the void of the foreign room, echoing and cracking in the stillness of the night. I longed for Lioran, wishing he was there to hold me. We would return home to Lythira—there, I would love him until the very end.
I dressed in my riding tunic as Cora silently tidied our things. The few possessions we brought were carted out of the space. As we quietly escaped the palace halls for the last time, I noticed how somber the paintings were. The flowers lacked their natural hue—as if stifled—molded to what they should have been.
Lioran and Fyn greeted us at the end of the hall. Lioran’s bloodshot eyes met mine before the four of us walked in silence together.
Wind poured in through the open palace doors, lulling me out into the open. The instant I stepped beyond the grand entrance, the onyx’s warmth returned. A melody danced on the wind, distant and faint—Lythira was calling me.
It was time to go home.
As we descended the grand silver steps, I heard a frantic, but familiar voice call. “Lioran.” The queen trailed the steps behind him, she was a blur of silver in my tear-streaked view. “You will take them back and return to us quickly. Your future bride will be waiting.” She reached out to touch him, but Lioran pulled away.
He wouldn’t look at her. The queen’s smile vanished.
“Thank you for inviting me to your court.” My voice held steady, even though I had nothing to thank her for at all.
“Don’t forget your promise, Lioran.” Her wordssoftened.
“Rest assured, Mother—I will not forget anything we discussed.” He glared at her.
“Your sacrifice for our kingdom has not gone unnoticed. Your father would have been very proud of the woman you’ve become.” Her hand grazed my arm. I stilled under her touch.
I gripped Lioran as the words settled.
Hewouldhave been proud…would.
