Over the years, Sawyn had become a ghost story. The children in the village would dare each other to step out into the forest and whisper “I am the Crimson Princess,” thinking one of the sorceress’s Rooks might hear. But the rage with which she searched for Briar had simmered into nothingness, and I wondered if she even cared at all anymore. Perhaps reclaiming our castle would be as easy as opening the door.
I watched Vellia’s gentle rocking, a mix of emotions filling me as I asked, “Are you sure you can’t come with us?”
Briar laughed even as her arm tightened around me. “Hasn’t she done enough? She’s kept us safe for nearly twenty years.”
“The magic of your mother’s wish is waning,” Vellia said. “I can feel the last dregs being spent.”
“Then I could make another wish,” I offered.
She shook her head, straightening the knot of her kerchief under her chin. “A faery wish is a desperate sort of magic, Calla.” Vellia had said the same thing a dozen times before. “Powerful, yes, but it’s the ultimate sacrifice and will cost you everything. Your mother’s essence fuels my magic. She paid for your safety with her soul.”
My shoulders slumped. There was no way to wish for Vellia to stay with us. When my mother’s wish finished, Vellia would disappear, waiting in the ether until another dying wish was made.
Vellia stood, placing her smooth hand on my cheek.
“I will miss you two,” Vellia whispered. “But my magic will always be with you. I will be close even when I feel very far.”
I swallowed, nodding my head.
Vellia drew the curtains, moonlight fading to shadow. “Get some sleep. You wake at first light.”
Briar groaned, already unhappy about the idea of waking up. I took a deep breath as Vellia flickered out of sight, off to another part of the cabin.
“Do you remember that traveler who came to town with those spun sugar treats?” Briar’s voice was a low hush.
“Yes.” I craned my neck back at her. “Why?”
“I bet they have them in Highwick.”
I chuckled and settled back into my pillow. “I bet you’ll be able to request any treat your heart desires, Your Highness.”
“You will, too,” Briar said. “We will finally be able to go out and explore and meet people and be a part of a pack . . .” She sighed. “It’s going to be great, Calla.”
“With Nero’s aid, we’ll be able to save Olmdere,” I murmured, feeling sleep tugging me under.
“That too.” Briar chuffed. “You and me, we’ll take over the continent . . . so long as we can eat some spun sugar treats first.”
“Agreed.” I nuzzled my face deeper into the feather pillow, feeling my sister’s warmth behind me radiating through the duvet. As my heavy eyes shut, I smiled. She was trying to cheer me up, and it was working. Sorrow mixed with exhilaration, and I fell asleep dreaming of a new promised adventure.
Five
The glowing dawn bled into the darkness as the stars blinked out of the sky. My head pounded. I was never drinking wine again. We only drank on special occasions, and last night had been overly extravagant. I scowled at my sister. Briar somehow looked fresh-faced and buoyant while I looked as haggard as I felt.
I pulled my traveling cloak tighter around my neck. The guards raced about, hitching the horses to the carriages. Their faces were sleep-addled, but they moved at great speed, seemingly less affected by the many drinks and little sleep.
Vellia clasped her hands as I stared down at the dusty front steps. This would be the last time I would ever stand here. I tried to remember every detail, every scent and sound, pressing each sense into my memory so I could hold on to them. This day had felt so far in the distance, and then suddenly it was upon us—there was no in-between.
Vellia squeezed my elbow as if knowing all the aching parts of me warred between excitement and sadness. I didn’t know how to say goodbye to her. Tears welled as I watched the guards load our bags. Grae and Briar chatted at the front carriage, my sister breezy as ever, while I tried to keep tears from falling.
“Oh, you.” Vellia chuckled, even though her voice was tight as well. She gripped my cheeks in her weathered hands and promised, “I will see you again one day, my dear. Take heart in that.”
I nodded, blinking back tears. How far away would “one day” be?
“Don’t live out your years with your tail between your legs.” Vellia leaned closer, pinning me with a look. “Whatever it is you want from this life, Calla, I hope you have the stubbornness to take it.”