“I know what you did for me.” Her eyes glisten with unshed tears. “No one has ever done anything like that for me before.” She pauses, then speaks in a voice full of gratitude. “Thank you, Sol.”
“You’re welcome.”
She opens the door, but abruptly closes it again. “Those Bloodstone warriors…are they outside your door because of last night?”
“No.” I assure her with a smile.
“If you need help—”
I sweep one hand toward the basket of food while I pop a hunk of cheese in my mouth with the other. “You have already done more than enough. Thank you.”
She offers me a smile, then slips out the door, closing it softly behind her.
For a moment, I stare at the worn wood as I think about Kahlia. I have new respect for her. For how she honored me by bringing me this food and for not letting last night’s attack extinguish her light.
There are people whose very existence brightens a dreary world. People I would do almost anything to protect, to spare them even a moment of hurt. Kassandra was one of those people. Kahlia is as well. And Everly.
Perhaps there is another name I can add to that list—my unknown benefactor. I go to the table, pluck a piece of fruit from the basket, and take a bite. I unfold the parchment, curious to know who has offered me this charity and immediately recognize the handwriting.
Sol,
I knew I would find you if I kept searching. You must break free of Hector and Cenric. If you continue to associate with them, you could do serious damage to present and future days.
Leave them. Sneak out. Do whatever you must to get away.
Meet me at the boat dock when the moon is high in the night sky.
I will see you then.
Everly.
My heart races as I pace back and forth. I read the letter again, savoring every word even more than those first bites of bread.
Everly is alive, and she’s here.
Thank you, Olah!
My hands tremble as I raise the parchment to the torchlight and reread those beautiful words over and over, branding them into my soul. Everly hasn’t abandoned me. She will help me travel to the pool of Zalhandara.
I look at the window and grin, as if the high gods themselves are watching me rejoice. But even as gratitude fills my chest, my heart aches as I think of leaving Hector behind.
The logical side of me knows I need to go to that pool, renew myself, and return to the present day. The foolish side of me wants to stay a little while longer and bed my husband. At least once. No, once would not be enough.
I fold the parchment and clutch it against my chest, choosing logic, choosing to renew. And then…
I’ll figure out everything else.
Nerves knot in my throat as I pause facing the broken looking glass, that I pilfered from a rubbish pile, and eye Hector’s cloak wrapped around my body. It’s the only garment I have right now.
Great…
I collect my bag and tie it around my waist, using it as a belt to ensure the front of the cloak remains closed. Besides my Kyanite necklace, this bag contains everything of value I own, which isn’t much. I add Everly’s letter, then I devour what is left of the food Kahlia brought.
When I’m finished, I eye the door, knowing Hector stands on the other side, and he won’t let me just walk away.
Then, I’ll go through the window.
The thought is dashed when a shadow passes behind the broken shutter. Cenric probably positioned himself between me and the only access to the alley behind my cottage.
