“I’m worried about you. Please consider seeing Rowena before we go,” Cora said.
“There’s nothing anyone can do. I’m just…afraid.” My gaze remained at the door.
“My visions evolve…what I see one day, may alter the next. It may not be as I see it.” Her voice quaked with each word.
“Have you seen what happens when we go there together? Have you seen Lioran there at all?” I wasn’t sure if I even wanted the answer.
Tears welled in her eyes. “He hasn’t been in any of my visions…only you. The Grove wants you…”
“It doesn’t matter…does it? If he goes or not?” I pulled back my chair, ready to stand, but the room spun again. “I don’t make it…”
She couldn’t blink the tears back anymore. I couldn’t watch them fall.
“I don’t know if it matters. I can only tell you what the stars have chosen to show me. Hope is not lost. More may still be revealed.”
“As long as it doesn’t reveal an end where he doesn’t return.” Our home could thrive without me—Lioran could move on too. Without him, I would crumble—Lythira wouldsoon follow.
We spent our last night together falling further in love under the moon’s glow. I wanted to stay forever in our home, but the Grove wouldn’t wait.
Ever since the bargain, something new stirred in me, my body felt weaker—like it was no longer mine to command. If his felt the same, I wouldn’t know it. Lioran would never complain.
My skin was hot as I freed myself from the covers. I undid the clasp of the onyx pendant, unable to bear its heat along with my own.
My hands shook as I reached for the leather book. Its delicate floral pattern was illuminated in dawn’s light. I gently opened the cover and waited in silence. He stirred in the bed beside me.
“Lioran and I are bonded. We will go to the Grove together. He has taken on the bargain,” I whispered.
I know how much you love him.
And now I see how much he loves you.
He will risk everything for you.
“I want him to be safe. I want us both to be safe.”
Look to the stars to guide you.
You are the thread that ties humanity and the fae together.
Lythira has been waiting for you.
“I don’t even know how…”
Your instincts will not lead you astray.
“My heart is breaking—it feels hollow.”
Only because you fear, but fear will not guide you here.
It’s time.
Go into the darkness and turn it into light.
“Thank you…I love you.”
I love you, Aelira.
Your mother sends her love, too.
