Page 80 of Far From Sherwood Forest

My curiosity is getting the better of me. I’m frustrated, of course. Still angry. But I’m at least distracted enough to not want to immediately rip Ivy’s head off.

“You both are bound by destiny, but neither of you could fulfill it unless you were forced to grow beyond your roles as the outlaw Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham. You two,together, will be the catalyst for balance.”

A horrible, gut-wrenching thought consumes me, constricting around my chest, tighter than the vines around my wrists, until I can’t breath. Until I’m sure my heart will be crushed into dust.

It was all a lie.

“You…he…” I can’t think, the inside of my head filled with fog. “What he thinks he feels…”

Fortunately, Ivy is able to translate my panic.

“Isreal.” She moves closer, close enough that I could reach out and touch her if I wasn’t bound. Being a foot shorter than me, she has to crane her neck to meet my gaze. “I can’t manipulate emotions. What Robin feels for you is real, Henry. If you choose to only believe one thing I say to you, believe that.”

“Why should I?” I ask, my voice choked.

“Because you deserve to be loved.”

I didn’t realize how much that train of thought I was on was fucking me up until I feel something wet sliding down my cheek.

Words have never sounded so impossible, but I’ve also never wanted to believe them more.

“And also because I had no idea that that’s where all of this would lead. All I hoped for was that you both could find forgiveness in each other.” She smiles up at me, and I swear I cansee the magic in her eyes. “But I’m happy you found more.”

The vines around my wrists loosen and retreat. My arms fall to my sides, weak, like every last ounce of strength has been zapped from me. I don’t think magic has anything to do with it.

Ivy stares up at me, still standing close, clearly not afraid that I might attack her. Even if I had the energy, it’s not like I would stand a chance anyway.

“I truly am so sorry, Henry. Failing you is my biggest regret in a thousand years.”

The strange thing is that I actually believe her.

I keep my back against the tree, leaning my head against it too, needing the support to hold me upright. I close my eyes and breathe in a deep lungful of air. “I’m so tired of being angry.”

“I know, big guy,” she says affectionately. “That’s one reason why Robin is so perfect for you.”

It hits me that maybe she’s right. Lately, I’ve felt different when I’m around him, not as weighed down by rage and resentment. There’s something about him that’s able to make me forget about all of that, that makes me want to give him all my attention instead.

“You need to know that itisyour destiny to return to Sherwood Forest with Robin.”

Without lifting my head, I open my eyes to peer down at her.

“But after what I did to you, I won’t force you to go back. I can’t guarantee that Robin and the others will be successful in stopping Prince John. I’m not saying that to guilt you. It’s just the truth.”

“I don’t know what the fuck to do, Ivy,” I whisper.

“You have some time to decide. Not a lot, but a little. Can I give you some advice?”

I should say no. I should be ripping her apart instead for ruining my life.

But…she also saved me.

So maybe that’s not what I want anymore.

“Please.”

“Listen to your heart. Humans have their own brand of magic, and I think you might find some of your own in there.”

“As long as it’s different fromyourbrand of magic.”