Total pages in book: 126
Estimated words: 123779 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 619(@200wpm)___ 495(@250wpm)___ 413(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 123779 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 619(@200wpm)___ 495(@250wpm)___ 413(@300wpm)
“I missed you too.” I squeeze my eyes shut, happy to be reunited with my friend.
Suddenly, a sob bursts from her, and it makes me tighten my arms around her.
“I’m so sorry about River,” I whisper.
She just nods as she clings to me. “I was worried I’d lose you too.”
“Let’s go back into the house where you can have privacy,” Raighne says.
I keep an arm wrapped around her lower back as we follow Raighne into the house, then I say, “Sit down. Can I get you some tea?”
She shakes her head and hugs me again. “I’m so glad you’re back.”
I hold my friend for as long as she needs, and only when she pulls away from me, do I take a seat on one of the chairs.
She sits down near me, lets out a sigh, and looks at Raighne. “They say River didn’t suffer.”
Raighne crosses his arms over his chest. “Have they had his sepulturae?”
She nods. “Two days ago at sunrise. Roark and River ascended side by side.”
My heart squeezes at hearing Roark’s name.
Fleur glances at me. “I’m sorry for your loss as well. It feels like all we’ve done is hold sepulturaes the past week.”
Has it only been a week since I left to retrieve the chosen ones?
I try to think back, but there are only memories of destruction and death, and I quickly shake my head to rid my mind of the thoughts.
“Alchera thinks we should have a ceremony to honor their lives and deaths,” Raighne mentions. “I’m going to ask Janak and Aster to arrange it.”
“That will be nice,” Fleur murmurs, then she looks at me again. “Just a heads up, but the whole village is arranging a celebration for your return and to welcome the chosen ones.”
I let out a groan. “It’s the last thing I have strength for right now.”
“It will be the perfect time to meet everyone and get it over with,” Raighne mutters.
“And there will be drinking, dancing, food, and games,” Fleur adds. “It looks like you can do with some fun.”
Knowing it’s not something I can avoid, I say, “Let me know when and where.” Changing the subject, I ask, “What have you been doing since you no longer have to tend to my needs.”
She lets out a chuckle. “I’ve learned how to make an elixir that cures a cold.”
Lifting an eyebrow, I ask, “Do you have an elixir for making hair grow faster?”
A burst of laughter escapes her as she replies, “Yes, but we’ll have to ask Aster for it. They don’t like handing out elixirs if they’re not needed.”
I point at my short hair. “Girl, it’s needed.”
“I’ll check with Aster and let you know,” she says, but then her expression turns serious as she asks, “How was it…on Earth?”
I glance down at my hands, and seeing how long my nails have gotten, I start to pick at them as I shrug.
“It’s not something we’re ready to talk about,” Raighne replies.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked,” Fleur says before rising to her feet. “I just wanted to check on you, but I’ll let you get some rest.”
I get up, and we hug quickly as I tell her, “Thank you. I’ll be up for a longer visit next week.”
“The celebration is Saturday night,” she warns me.
I nod and watch as she leaves the house, then sit down again.
“I really don’t want to go to a celebration,” I mutter to Raighne.
He walks to the kitchen and starts to boil water while getting things ready to make a cup of tea. “The whole village will be disappointed if you don’t make an appearance.” He glances at me. “Besides, it’s usually fun, and I think you’re long overdue for some of that.”
“What happens at the celebrations?” I ask, folding my legs beneath me as I get more comfortable on the chair.
“Like Fleur mentioned, there’s dancing and drinking.” Raighne carries two cups back to the living room and hands me one.
He takes a seat before he continues, “Sometimes there’s a fireworks show, and there are all kinds of snacks.”
“Snacks?” I sit up a little straighter, suddenly very interested. “Like what?”
“Like candyfloss, candied apples, roasted nuts, crispy potatoes, and pastries.”
“Okay,” I say, my tone dead serious, “You’ve convinced me to go.”
Raighne lets out a burst of laughter, and I stare at him because I can’t remember if I’ve ever heard him laugh like that.
The sound fades away until he’s giving me an affectionate look. “We’ll laugh a lot more in the future.”
“I hope so,” I whisper.
It’s not even midday yet when I hear bustling and joyful music in the street outside.
When I woke up, I could already hear the villagers moving around to get everything ready for today’s celebration.
I’ve stayed hidden in the house for the past four days, and I’m not sure I’m ready to leave the walls that have become my sanctuary.