Page 316 of Cursed Evermore

“Oh Wolfe come on, you know I’ll be fine. I was perfectly okay before. The dragon magic will keep me safe.”

My resolve crumbled under her excitement, even with dread coiling in my gut.

"Alright," I gave in, though my jaw remained tight. "But we fly together. I'm not letting you out of my sight.”

"Thank you, thank you.” She threw her arms around me. “I can’t wait."

"Then let's pack and aim to leave at noon."

"You're right. I do love you even more."

If only it were that simple. I pulled her closer and kissed her, savoring every second of the moment.

Elariya was the only light I would allow in the dark.

I had three days before her curse pulled her away from me and left my life empty all over again.

I'd make it count. Every breath. Every heartbeat. Every moment the gods allowed me.

Chapter 64

Elariya

“Velastra”

Arielle looked at the little bag on my bed and gave me a gentle smile. "Is that all you're taking? I've never packed that light in my life." She chuckled, though her voice carried more ache than humor. "It's three days, and you're going to Stormfell after. I'd be leaving with a trunk the size of a carriage."

I let out a soft laugh. "I packed the important things, like my journal and some basic clothes. Next time, I'll take more. I just... wanted to leave everything else as it is. For when I return."

Arielle nodded, her gaze lingering on me with quiet understanding. "I look forward to when you come back."

"Me too." Her solemn expression mirrored the weight pressing against my chest. This was a goodbye neither of us wanted.

Everyone had already been briefed on the Seer's revelations. Wolfe had met with them after he left me here to pack. He'd probably told them the truths she hadn't shared with me, and that was fine. I had enough to think about. If there was anything I truly needed to know, I trusted he would tell me in time.

The plan so far was, when the new moon rose and the curse reset, Wolfe would summon Arielle and Bastian to travel the Ghost Roads with us to Stormfell. There, we'd move in silence and secrecy. And I would be asleep the entire time.

My heartbeat quickened. I traced the worn leather strap of my bag, trying not to think of all the ways it could all go wrong. "I'm worried, Arielle. Worried about all of it. I've never had so much resting on me before. If I can't find a way to harness my powers... we'll be stuck like this forever."

She shook her head and set a hand on my shoulder. "Don't think like that. If there's one thing I know about you, it's that you always try your best. That weight of responsibility will only push you harder. And you will do it. You'll master your powers easy peasy."

"You really think so?"

"I know so. And I can't wait to help you. I've never worked with anyone who had time powers before, but the principles of unlocking abilities are the same across the board. Plus, we'll be at Hyxian a lot more."

I smiled faintly. "I look forward to that."

"You should. It's going to be exciting. Just imagine what you'll be able to do with such a gift. And you'll be ecstatic when you get your dragon."

"I have to admit, having my own dragon does sound incredible." I hadn't wrapped my head around it yet. I was excited, but there was so much to think about before I reached that stage.

Arielle gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze, then released me. "Just enjoy the next few days with Wolfe, and don't worry about anything else. When you get back, we'll catch up. Maybe by then, we'll know more than we do now."

"I hope so."

"Think of it this way... you did so much more this month than you ever imagined. And you're not going back empty-handed." Mischief sparked in her eyes, and I knew she was referring to Wolfe.

"No, I'm not." A gentle smile tugged at my lips, warm with memory. "I feel like I lived a lifetime in just these weeks."