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Aisling

THREE MONTHS LATER

L ilith is gone.

My mother is gone.

I guess in some ways, it hurts. I had a mother I never even knew about, and when the time came, she stole everything I loved.

Karma’s a bitch though.

I look around the Dreamworld. What was once a broken and dark place is becoming something beautiful and cared for.

I didn’t ask to be the Queen of the Dreamworld. To be honest, I never even wanted it .

But someone had to save it from crumbling.

And I was here.

I brought Ash with me and she has stayed by my side since, following me on our new adventure.

She’s convinced she can bring health and magic to the world that lies somewhere between imagination and darkness.

I just smile and watch as she does what she’s best at. Creating something from nothing.

I see Ronan sometimes, every so often.

Like a ghost that lingers in the shadows.

I like to believe he’s there when the nights feel lighter and the stars shine just a bit brighter. When my heart feels a little lighter and my laugh rings a little louder.

I got a raven skull tattooed just below the luna moth on my sternum, my forever reminder of him. He was always my safe place, and I know in my heart he never actually left me .

I’ve been searching for answers, trying to find a way to bring him back. Hoping that something will lead me closer to him. It may take some time, but I’m determined to bring him out of the shadows again.

And as for me?

I will do what I always do.

Survive.

Even when I want to give up.

Even when it feels like I can’t keep going.

Because there’s a world that relies on me.

People who rely on me.

And I’m not ready to give up on myself.