Chapter 45
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
I imagine kissing Sweet Girl’s muzzle, stroking her stupidly fluffy ears. Bitty’s dimpled grin comes bounding up on Applemint, who starts nudging me for sweets. Beans pats my shoulder, looking down at me with paternal affection in his eyes before going to stand by Applemint. Bitty leans over and kisses the top of the old man’s shaved head. Tovi is on the other side of Sweet Girl, and she throws a beetleberry at me, smiling before plopping another in her mouth.
I hear the name “Firecat,” and everyone disappears. There is only Riley.
He and I are alone in the Nemoris forest, frasteria petals sprinkling down on us like snow. Tucking a flower behind my ear, he brushes my hair back so he can kiss my neck.
Standing back up to his full height, he looks deep into my eyes, and I into his. I do not need anything more than this. Just Riley. So, I’ll stay. I will stay, looking into his—everything but “ just” —green eyes, forever. For the rest of my life and into the Divine end. I will stay here.
“Mika,” a voice whispers, trying to make me look away from Riley. No . I will look at nothing else.
“Mika,” the voice repeats. “You have to come back.”
Riley begins to fade, and I scream soundlessly. I scream for longer than I should be able to. He is slowly fading into nothing. His eyes are the last thing to vanish, and my scream is all that remains.
I am nothing. Falling to my knees, still screaming, I am in a black void. I lie down, hugging my knees, finally stopping the endless, soundless scream. I allow the tears to flow, hoping they will drown me.