Chapter 31
The journey back was solemn. No words could ease the pain.
But the moment Gaia crossed into Lythira, something in me shifted.
It felt so good to be home.
Sunlight slipped into Lioran’s chambers as I nestled into his chair—watching him, waiting for him to wake. I refused to enter my old chambers once we returned.
The weight of the bargain consumed me.
Each moment was fading faster. We returned to enjoy our last moments together, but as I watch him in his quiet slumber, I knew there would never be enough moments to keep. The bargain would claim me. His future would be tied.
The queen’s final words hadn’t left me. On our journey home, I couldn’t bring myself to ask the book if what I assumed was correct. My fingers met the leather book’s embroidery.
“You aren’t here anymore, are you?” I whispered.
I am with you through these pages only.
The book was meant to be a guide for you when I knew we’d never find each other again.
He would never be with me. “How did you know?”
I was a visionary.
I saw my end, before it came.
Even if I hadn’t, I knew he wouldn’t let me live with what I had created.
I would never know the father that loved me. He was stolen by the one who raised me. I would never get to sit with him, or see how I resembled him. The dull ache sat, before I could say the words. “I love you,” I whispered. He was gone. He couldn’t feel it, but if there was a chance he could hear my words still, I needed him to know.
My daughter—I love you still.
“It’s not fair.”
Our fate isn’t fair.
I knew it never would be.
Before our worlds were divided, your mother brought you to me.
I lived in that moment every day.
“I wish I remembered it; I wish I remembered you.”
Someday we will meet again, Aelira.
“That day may be soon.”
Don’t speak that way.
Only the stars know your future.
Even visionaries can be wrong.
“I don’t think Cora is wrong.”
I saw it all unfolding, maybe even the way Cora sees it now.
