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For the first time in a very long while, I felt genuinely hopeful.

But then Celeste spoke, and my heart sank.

"Well," she said, folding the parchment and slipping it back into her purse. "I guess that's all we can do for tonight."

"Indeed," I agreed.

She looked up at me with a small, almost apologetic smile.

"And I guess that means I can go home tomorrow."

There it was—the one thing I'd been dreading ever since she first mentioned returning to Tampa.

I tried to keep my expression neutral, though it took every bit of self-control I possessed.

"Yes, of course," I said stiffly. "You have responsibilities to attend to in the Human Realm. I should never dream of preventing you from returning to them."

She looked at me for a long moment.

"You know I don't want to leave you like this, don't you?"

"Of course, sweetheart," I told her. "But you've already done more for me than I could possibly have asked. I certainly don't expect you to abandon your life merely because I have a curse which needs breaking."

She sighed.

"I just feel bad, that's all. I wish I could stay until we figure everything out."

I wanted to tell her that she could…that she could stay there at Blackthorn Manor for as long as she wished. I wanted to let her know that I would gladly provide her with everything she needed, from food and clothing to whatever other comforts she might desire.

But I knew that wasn't the answer. Celeste had a life of her own, and she had to be free to choose what she did with it…even if that choice took her away from me.

"You mustn't feel guilty, sweetheart," I told her gently. "Goody Albright will continue her research, and I shall do what I can to strengthen the protections around the Gateway and my physical body. There's no reason for you to remain here while we wait for more information."

"Well…" She hesitated. "I guess I could take care of some things back home and then come back. Maybe Goody will have figured something out by then."

I felt a sudden rush of hope.

"Do you truly mean that?"

"Of course!" She looked surprised. "Garrik, I'm not just going to abandon you! I promised I'd help you break your curse, and I intend to keep that promise."

I looked at her, scarcely trusting myself to speak.

"And when do you think you might return?"

"As soon as I can," she said. "I'll have to see how bad things are at work. Angie is probably ready to fire me by now, considering that I've flaked on her on a day I was supposed to give a big presentation.”

I frowned.

"Perhaps you ought to consider finding another occupation if your employer is so unreasonable."

She gave a sad little laugh.

"Well, believe me, I've thought about it! But jobs aren't exactly easy to come by, and I've still got bills to pay."

"Ah, yes," I said sourly. "Those wretched bills of yours."

She laughed again.