Page 191 of Eternal Surrender

Fabian brushed a few stray hairs out of my eyes. “Do you have the faith to face the light, William?”

Though I tried to reply, the words were lost forever in a sea of fear.

Sebastian appeared by my side and took my hand. “I’ll wait with you.”

Ingrid took my other hand. “We won’t leave you.”

“What will happen?” I asked Fabian.

“We start in reverse,” he replied calmly. “And later, we resurrect the ashes.”

“Dear God . . .” My throat was dry with trepidation.

“He’s here,” Fabian said.

Following Fabian’s gaze, I took in each stone, focusing on their flawless irregularities, their masterful alignment. Their domineering perfection.

“I want to live. . .” I whispered.

“Death is merely an illusion,” Fabian said.

Lucas stood at the end of the central stone looking down upon me. He unraveled the scroll and he took in what was written upon it, his face scanning the Coptic words with a steady eye.

“What does it say?” I asked him.

“It’s an incantation,” Lucas said.

“We must begin.” Jacob’s focus did for a minute settle on the horizon as though wary of dawn’s imminence.

Sebastian gripped my hand, though I suspected it was as much for him as it was for me.

“Sebastian, promise me,” I whispered, “you’ll dance again.”

“I’m counting on you being there when I do,” he said bravely.

“Fabian, watch over Catherine.” I focused back on Sebastian. “Take care of Alex.”

“I promise,” Sebastian said.

Above me, the clear starlit sky; the first tinges of dawn kissing my flesh.

I held Ingrid’s gaze and found comfort there. “I love you,” I told her.

She pressed her lips to my hand, her strength feeding mine.

“Sebastian, after we leave make sure William remains on the stone,” Fabian said.

My attention fell on Sebastian, checking he’d understood the warning. Fabian, seemingly satisfied, gave a subtle signal to Lucas that he was to begin.

Sebastian squeezed my hand. “It’s been an honor.”

“Are you sure you want to see this,” I told them both. “You don’t have to stay.”

“We’re not leaving to have you face this on your own.”

“Good luck,” Sebastian whispered.

“You make it sound so final,” I said, and then swallowed hard.