33. Epilogue
Epilogue
Valyria
“ Y ou’re certain it’s her?” I grip Elara’s clammy hands tightly, my voice wavering.
Her pale blue eyes slide to mine as her bottom lip quivers. “I’m sorry, Val. It’s her.” A broken sob escapes from me, my kind friend wrapping her arms around my torso, not seeming to care as I soak her robe with endless tears.
“I just do not understand how he did this…she doesn’t deserve such a fate…” Elara holds me for hours, listening. Comforting. How am I to tell Erendor? I can’t do this—
My eyes snap open, greeted by the darkness of the night.
I shove the blankets off, slip from the room, and walk hastily down the hall until I reach Ariella's door. I crack it open and my eyes immediately find my sleeping girl. I muffle a laugh—she always falls asleep in the strangest positions. She lies on her back with one arm splayed to her side while the other falls over her head as if she means to grab the wall; she snores softly, oblivious to everything that's to come.
I wish I could give her more than the knowledge that her fate is tied to things beyond even my control. I clench my jaw, and move to step into Erendor's office, grabbing paper to write all the words I want to say to her. Words that will never be enough.
Tears track silently down my face, slapping too loudly against the desk. I know I must sacrifice my essence…I understand it will tip the balance to give her time…but those things do not make this any easier.
To never watch her grow into the beautiful woman she will be—I cover my mouth with a hand to muffle a sob.
Watching her and Erendor spend time together practicing her essence, or picking the prettiest lavender from the garden…even laughing as they argue over the silliest things about who’s correct. I chuckle through the tears—too often is neither of them right, but I never have the heart to tell them. Their bond fills me with so much joy, and I know he will take the best care of her after I’m gone.
I sigh deeply, folding the paper and setting it on my nightstand. Erendor will not be pleased, but I know he will give Ariella the letter when the time is right.
That comfort is enough to settle my racing heart and dry my skin as I slip back into bed and wrap myself over my husband. I hope it is also enough to keep the nightmares at bay—I’ve no desire to watch Elara’s visions of chaos and collapse any longer.