“I will follow your example,” Willis stated. “The Lysians will have a part in planning how to get you and the others trapped by the Sidhe back.”
It pleased me to hear not all Bavadrins were so adamantly against this union.
Ariana viewed us, gaze moving among our faces. “When I saw the Spirit at my ascension, I was told that a conjuror of illumination would help me. I think that person might be Iver.”
“What?” Iver glanced at her, eyes rounded in a look of surprise.
“The Spirit told me that the conjuror of illumination would be of help. I thought it meant Erik at first, but now, I think it may be you.”
Iver turned to Edda. “I definitely need to try that magical juice.”
I sighed. “Why can you not stay on topic?”
My brother smirked. “I am. That magic juice helped Ariana see the Spirit. Maybe we all should drink some and see what happens.”
Edda snorted. “That’s not how it works, little one.” Her use of the termlittle one, when Iver towered over her was nearly comical. Though she certainly had all of us beat in age.
“You’re just old and grumpy,” Iver mumbled at her with a fake pout before turning to Ariana. When he viewed the Leader Superior of the Bavadrins, the look on his face lost all of its mischievousness. “I will do what I can to help you and both of our homes.”
Ariana moved towards him. “Thank you.” She then hugged him.
Surprise touched Iver’s features before he draped a single arm around her. “You are stronger than you know,” he said to her by way of farewell.
Ariana stepped back, and her gaze landed on Willis. She closed the distance between them and hugged him. “Good luck with everything.”
“We will be ready. If anything ever happens, and you need us to get you out of there, tell Shay. We will prepare for war until that moment.”
She nodded before moving on to the next person, Edda. Ariana hugged the old woman without hesitations. “Stay safe,” she said to her.
Edda scoffed as if the words were unnecessary. “Try to not push Clause too much for answers. He can have a short temper.” She gave her a bit of parting advice.“And, remember who you are, where you come from.” The last bit was said with an air of warning. It sent a chill down my spine.
“I’ll be sure to keep that in mind.” Ariana moved to step away, but Edda grabbed onto her arm, halting her.
“You will return to your people,” Edda said to her. “I know it in my bones to be true.”
Ariana released a breath. “I do not typically ask you of the future, for you never give straightforward answers. I have always waited for you to choose to share things with me. And yet, I find myself overwhelmed with the desire to ask you this. If you have seen my return, can you tell me whether we will win against the Sidhe?”
Edda frowned, her hand remaining on Ariana’s forearm. “That is unclear.”
She swallowed, hesitating. “What about me? Will I even recognize myself after this is over?”
Edda’s response was a second embrace. “I have loved you for your entire life. And I will love you until the day I die.”Not an encouraging answer. What was the Seer getting at? What did she know?
Ariana visibly shuddered, her eyes shutting, yet a single tear still managed to slip through. “I have always loved you too,” she whispered, her voice breaking.
When Edda released her that time, she did not stop Ariana from finally moving away.
The next goodbye was with Kiora. The Sparrow looked like she was both angry yet on the verge of tears. They embraced. “May the Spirit give you strength and shelter from the storm you are about to enter,” Kiora said.
“I’ll miss you,” Ariana whispered to her before turning to Kole.
As she approached, Kole stiffened as though uncertain about how to take the hug that would be thrown his way. Ariana tried to wrap her arms around his massive body, and a heartbeat later, he wrapped his around her in return. “I have no doubt you will have that Sidhe King wrapped around your finger just like you had us,” Kole grumbled to her.
Ariana pulled away from him, a look of surprise on her face.“And here I thought no one could ever get one over on you and your King.”
Kole chortled. “Only you.”
Ariana’s eyes softened, lips wanting to tug into a small smile. “Thanks.” She then looked to me.
