“Master Trifen said you were looking for me.”
I swallow the knot of emotion in my throat. I want to tell him my plan and warn him that we may never see each other again. I hate deceiving him, but I don’t see a better alternative. “I wanted to see you before you go.”
Sebastian steps closer and takes my hands in each of his, squeezing. “I wouldn’t have left without saying goodbye.”
“I know.” I scan his face, memorizing every inch. His eyes are more blue than green in the setting sun. I may never see those eyes again.
He reaches into his pocket and draws out a necklace with a crystal pendant. “I made you something.”
“Bash . . .” The chain is a simple, finely woven silver, but the crystal is flawless. “It’s . . . the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
“Then it suits you.” His voice is hoarse, and the heartbreaking tenderness in his eyes grates against my conscience. “It’s an amulet of protection. If I can’t be here to protect you myself, then . . .” He flinches, as if the thought causes him physical pain, then gently guides the necklace over my head. “Promise me you’ll always wear it.”
“I promise.” It falls between my breasts and glitters in the sunlight. I clutch it in my fist. “When do you leave?”
“First thing in the morning.” His gaze goes to the sky, as if checking to make sure he hasn’t run out of time.
“Thank you for being such a good friend. I don’t know if I would’ve made it through the last two years without you.”
“Don’t do that.” He shakes his head. “Don’t act like you won’t see me again.”
I drop my gaze to my feet, staring at my battered black boots instead of letting him look into my eyes, where I fear the truth is written.
He tilts my face up to his. “There’s so much I still need to tell you.”
“Like what?”
He scans my face again and again. “About my past . . . about me.”
I open my mouth and snap it shut again. Sebastian’s never talked about his family. He never wanted to share anything about his life before he moved to Fairscape, and I never pushed.
“I’ll do everything in my power to see you again,” he says softly. “But I’m not ready to leave you yet.” His hands are big and warm. I’ve secretly imagined him touching me like this so many times, but nothing I dreamed up could compare with the sensation of his callused fingers sliding behind my neck and into my hair as his gaze drops to my mouth. “Is there anything you need to tell me? Anything I should know before I leave tomorrow?”
Does he mean about my feelings for him? Or does he suspect that I’ll be headed to a different realm at midnight, risking everything on the unlikely chance that I can save my sister? “Sebastian, you’re my best fr—”
Before I can finish the word, he lowers his head. Soft lips find mine, and I gasp against him. Electricity buzzes through me, waking me up, zapping between us, making this kiss feel like it could light all of Fairscape, all of Elora.
When his tongue sweeps across my lips and then inside my mouth, I kiss him back with everything I have. Everything I am. I can feel his worry in his kiss, and I wonder if he can feel my fear. I have to save my sister, but I don’t want to die. I don’t want to lose him either.
My emotions are a muddled mess, somehow heightened by his kiss. When he pulls away, I’m lightheaded, the rug pulled out from under me. I’ve been falling for Sebastian for two years, and all this time I believed my feelings were unrequited. And now, when I may never see him again, I learn that they’re not. Fate is toying with me.
“Wait for me,” he whispers.
I won’t. I can’t. And I feel a stab of guilt at how good his words feel anyway. I can’t let my feelings for Sebastian blur my focus. All that matters is getting to Jas.
* * *
“Brie.” A whisper in my ear as the mare runs faster and faster, carrying Mom and me toward the beach. “Brie, they’re coming.”
My heart races, and my hair flies in wild wisps around my face. Mom’s wedding band bites into my little finger as she grips the reins.
“Brie.” The breeze turns hot, and smoke fills the air, stinging my throat. “Abriella, wake up!”
My eyes burn as I crawl across the floor on my hands and knees. The acrid smoke snakes its way into my lungs, and fire dances all around me. Heat licks my skin. Flames dart out and sear my bare legs. Jasalyn smiles up at me, blinking through the smoke. I sweep her off the bed, but she’s too heavy for my skinny arms to hold, and I fall back under her weight. I grip her tighter, and she disintegrates into a pile of ash.