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“You certainly look it,” Seraphine laughed, nudging my shoulder with her fist. “Consider me convinced.”

I cleared my cheek of the single pesky tear with the back of my hand. “I really am.”

Seraphine shrugged in dismissal. “Everyone else was enjoying this new world, I thought I’d join in on the fun. Turns out, along the way, I discovered the potential of a future and, if I’m honest, I’m thrilled by it. I’ve never wanted to be a mother, but meeting Amara and Lin, I feel as though life has given me a second purpose.”

A lump formed in my throat at the raw emotion rolling from Seraphine. “So, about that payment you mentioned…”

“Save the world, Robin. Fix these problems, then I will consider any debts between us cleared.”

I bit down on my lower lip. It was in that moment the severity of our secret hit me. Seraphine had found love, whilst knowing that I kept the very creature that could take it all away from her. I’d thought nothing was stopping Seraphine from taking matters into her own hands and killing Duncan, just as she offered to do. Except, somethingwasstopping her and now I understood.

It was the same thing she’d found returning to Lockinge. It was love.

“Iwillfix this,” I said to her, refusing to look anywhere else but her eyes. I needed Seraphine to see my honesty, to know that I had a plan and would do anything to see it through. “For Lin. For young Amara. I will do anything to make sure you truly can enjoy the new world that everyone thinks they’ve achieved now.”

Seraphine straightened her posture, drinking me in with a look that sang of pity. “And Rafaela is the key to solving this issue? Pardon the pun.”

I winced at the mention of keys, knowing that was what got us into this mess. “Yes, Rafaela should have the knowledge to help me. At least I hope she does.”

“And if not?”

There it was… the question I knew this conversation would lead back to.

“Then the next time I call upon you, it will be for that offer you put forward.”

“I hope Rafaela has those answers you seek, if that is the case.” The muscles in the sides of Seraphine’s cheeks tensed. “Robin.”

“Yes, friend.”

She stepped back as if the title physically struck her. “I finally like this life, even after everything that has happened before it, I really wish to hold onto this one.”

I’d never seen such emotion in her. Not even when she’d told me the only reason she stayed in Imeria was because she was personally digging out each member of the Asps from the rubble to ensure they got a proper burial.

She’d bargained a new home for them. A chance at a new life. And although the Draeic came for me, Seraphine blamed herself. And yet it was now, as she looked at me, one hand on the door, the other over the concealed sketch in her pocket, she looked ready to shatter.

“I promise,” I said, meaning it.

“Hmm. I can’t help but wonder at the cost you will pay, though,” Seraphine said, drinking me in with all-knowing eyes.

I had no answer prepared for this, nor the time given to hide the truth. So, for the first time, I said it aloud for someone to hear.

“Me,” I said.

There was nothing else I needed to say. Seraphine took my answer for what it was, gritted her teeth and sharpened her stare. “We all pay unfair prices for the safety of those we love.”

“We do,” I agreed.

Seraphine gave me one last hard look, turned the door handle and opened it. If I expected her to push me for more answers, she didn’t. It wouldn’t take a genius to understand what I’d meant.

“Tomorrow morning.”

“Please.”

Seraphine laid a hand on my shoulder and squeezed. “I will send word when I have located Rafaela. Before I go, is that all I’m required for?”

“Not all,” I added, noticing her surprise. “I want you to enjoy life. Take it by the reins and rule it. You, Lin and Amara. Enjoy them… make the sacrifices you’ve previously paid for this second chance worth it. Make sure you enjoy it, for me.”

A single tear escaped her eye, matching my own. This was as much a goodbye as it was a reunion. Then, without another word, Seraphine slipped from the room. I held my breath, but by the time I looked down the corridor, she was gone, and the guard was back to patrolling.