Chapter 38
Evangeline
The last few days, my bravery has been put to the test. I’ve spent most of my life sheltered, never having to fear anything when my parents were alive.
My father’s quiet strength held me through many rough patches, even while he was gone, and my mother’s wisdom guided me through many tough decisions.
I never needed to be brave, not when I had my parents guiding me through so many milestones.
Even when they were gone, I operated as if they were still here.
Still whispering into my ear, telling me my next move.
I wasn’t brave; I was na?ve and, frankly, scared of change.
I only craved adventure because my parents wanted out of Grym Hollow, and I was content to go wherever they led me.
When they died, I wanted to experience the world in ways they never did.
But I was scared, and that held me back for so long. Until today.
The only time I can say I’ve truly been brave is when I leaped into the well.
I expected the fear to hit, sure, but it never did as I fell down for what felt like an eternity.
It doesn’t even come when I splash into ice-cold water at the bottom that shocks my system and fills my lungs with water, begging for fresh air.
I know I’m drowning, but there’s a strange calm that settles over me.
Acceptance wraps around me like a warm blanket.
Dying for the people I love? It feels like a worthy end.
Maybe even a noble one. My sacrifice will bring life back to the kingdom—not a fleeting reprieve, but real, lasting healing.
The curse will be broken. The earth will grow food again.
Families will stop burying their loved ones.
Maybe someone will write a song about me, just like Niko said he wanted.
It seems like a nice way to remember the dead.
My only sorrow is not having more time with Niko and Zephyr.
But even that pain is softened by the knowledge that they’ll live on.
They’ll love, they’ll laugh, and they’ll carry each other through whatever comes next, even if they have to miss me in the process.
Because that pain will be fleeting and soon carrying me only in their memory won’t hurt so much.
And that’s enough for me.
My lungs scream for air, even though there is none to have.
My vision goes blurry, and I feel powerful ancient magic kiss my skin.
It’s humming with excitement, ready to consume me.
It’s almost as if the magic in the well is alive, pulsing through my veins.
I’m ready to give myself over to it, so I close my eyes and wait for sweet oblivion.
Despite everything, I smile, waiting for the end to come.
Perhaps my father and mother will greet me on the other side, and I can tell them all about my adventures and the two men who stole my heart.
And then I hear it.
A small, almost silent splash that has me jerking my head up, momentarily forgetting about the burning in my lungs. The moment I see what—or rather who—made that noise, my chest fills with dread as wide eyes meet mine.
Finnick.
He jumped in after me.
No. No. No! This isn’t how it’s supposed to go. Finnick should be safe, since we got separated shortly after we parted from Zephyr. Never once did it cross my mind that he would jump in after me. But there’s still time for him to escape. He can fly out of here—
But even as that thought enters my brain, I can see that might not be the case. His wings sag, looking far too heavy in the water. Color drains from his face as ancient magic takes the extra offering. He’s just as stuck as me, and for the first time since jumping in, I feel true and unbridled fear.
Finnick reaches for me. My arm feels like lead, far too heavy to lift, but I somehow manage to take his tiny hand in mine. A choked sob leaves my lips, and dirty water forces its way inside.
No, no, no. Finnick, why? I want to scream, but little that would do. He didn’t need to be here. Didn’t need to die alongside me. I have damned us both.
We lock eyes, both of us aware this is the end. There’s quiet acceptance in his eyes, knowing we will leave this earth together. There’s no time left for words, so I let my gaze speak the truths I can’t say aloud.
I’m sorry.
I never meant for any of this to happen to you.
You’ve become my dearest friend—my heart aches knowing I’ll lose you.
I love you. And if there’s anything beyond this life…I’ll find you there.
Then suddenly, the water pulses with newfound excitement. I barely have time to register before I hear another body hit the water. This splash is bigger, the body much heavier than Finnick’s.
I know who it is before I even look up, but it still doesn’t stop the invisible dagger twisting into my heart. He struggles as if fighting some invisible foe—until our eyes meet. Then he stills.
Zephyr.
You stupid, stupid man.