Page 317 of Cursed Evermore

"Because you did." She laughed heartily. "Now, are you sure you don't want to take a few more things?"

"Yes, I'm sure."

"Alright. I'll send your bag over to the house."

"Thanks."

Arielle wriggled her fingers, and the bag vanished in a single breath. Wolfe was taking me to the Southern Isles. I was excited to see another corner of the magical realm. Even more excited to fly Hedion there.

"Is there anything else you need to do?"

"One more thing." I drew in a breath and pulled the two letters from my pocket. I handed them to her. "One is for myself. The other is for my family... explaining everything."

"Good idea."

"Hopefully, it helps. I'm going to need a lot of convincing. My family will, too. I just hope they won't make things too difficult."

Notthey. My mother. She would be the problem, not the others. But I'd worry about her when the time came. The letters explained enough, and I still had my journal. It would slide neatly into the collection waiting in Stormfell, like the missing piece of a puzzle.

"We'll take care of it," Arielle said firmly.

"Please promise me you'll make sure I read that letter and my journal the instant I wake."

Her eyes softened, shimmering as she nodded. "I promise."

"I want to start... getting reacquainted with Wolfe as soon as possible."

"I promise you, my friend." Her vow rang with quiet conviction. "I'll make sure you have everything you need."

I pulled her into a hug, grateful for her more than ever. "Thank you, Arielle."

"You are so welcome."

We pulled apart, and she placed a hand to her heart. "Let's not say goodbye. How about I wish you well instead?"

"That works." I smiled back at her.

"Then,Na már iyah."

"Ye vár iyah."

A gentle knock sounded at the door. It creaked open, and Sirril poked his small head inside. He stepped fully into the room, and the grief etched across his face struck my heart.

I thought of our days on the ship. How he'd been the first person I'd trusted, how he'd carefully watched over me, and how his presence had given me strength I hadn't even known I needed. Arielle once called him the heart of the group. I'd agreed with her then. Now, Iknewit. I'd lived it.

"Sirril." My voice quivered as I fought to hold myself together.

He moved toward me and clasped both my hands in his. "My Lady... it will be hard to say goodbye, though I know you'll be back soon. You just..."

"Won't remember any of it," I whispered.

His eyes glistened and he nodded fervently. "Let's hope it isn't for long. I'll have your cinnamon rolls and all your favorites waiting when you return."

A laugh broke through my tears. "That sounds wonderful."

"My Lady." He released my hands, starting to bow, but I caught him in an embrace, startling him.

"I'm going to miss you deeply, Sirril."