Page 166 of Her Dark Promise

I crawled out of bed and watched Soren mumbling at my absence, laughing to myself as I put on my robe. I grabbed my journal from the top drawer of my vanity before heading out. The halls were silent. Silence used to torment me, a constant reminder of all I had lost, but now it just felt peaceful. No anxiety followed. No fear. I almost skipped to the library because of how light I felt.

I hurried over to the small room that was now kept open for anyone to research whenever they wished. I had removed my journal as I didn’t want anyone reading my innermost thoughts, especially not the ones from when I was first abandoned. Not even I ventured that far back into my past.

I sat in the same chair I always did, producing a floating ball of shadowy light that was just bright enough to help me grab the quill and ink Soren kept on the desk. I opened my journal to the next available page.

December 21, 1761

My sweetest sister,

So much has changed since I last wrote to you. I’ll admit that not all of it was good. I tried to kill myself, and I almost succeeded. I wanted to succeed—yearned for it.

But…everything has changed. They saved me. And for a while I was so angry with them because they ruined my one chance to finally be reunited with you. Now, I’m thankful they did. The way that each one of them makes me want to be a better woman. I never knew that I could feel this way, especially after all these years. All I know is that I feel like a new woman. A happier woman.

Human.

I saw something drop onto the page and wiped at a stray tear I didn’t know I had shed. I took a deep breath and knew what I had to do.

Belle, I am so sorry I couldn’t protect you while there was still breath in your lungs. I would have done anything to save you, would have given up my own life for yours. But in order to give them a chance at happiness…I have to let my past go.

I love you with all of my heart.

Goodbye.

I shut the book and bound it. I set the quill down and stood, suddenly tired again, ready to go lay back in the arms of myloved ones. I exited the small room and walked by my painting but stopped to look up at the portrait of my family and me from so long ago.

I used my magic to pull the chaise lounge to me, walked over to grab a blanket, and situated myself in front of them.

I stared at each of their faces and wondered what they would think of their daughter now.

I didn’t know how long I stared at the portrait when I heard a noise behind me. I turned to find a clothed Callum standing in the middle of the room.

“Your grace, I didn’t mean to disturb you. I—”

I gave him a small smile, called him over with a flick of my finger, and patted the spot next to me. He sat down, and I cuddled into him. He wrapped an arm around my shoulder and pressed me into him as I rested my head against his side. I shared the blanket with him and we sat in comfortable silence for a while longer.

I moved my nose into his shirt and inhaled deeply, enjoying the moment between us. It had been so long since we had been alone.

“What were they like?”

I took a deep breath and considered the question.

“My father was so kind and loving when it came to his family and his people. He would often walk through the streets of the village and talk with them whenever he could. He was also incredibly fierce. If any threats came onto our lands, he would stop at nothing until they weren’t just dead, but eradicated. My mother was wise beyond her years. While my father was the king, he did nothing without consulting my mother first. They were equals in every way, and I prayed that I would find someone who loved me as fiercely as they loved each other.”

“And his love for you?”

“He loved me, but he hated magic more.”

“You think he would have killed you the same way he did to Circe?”

The truth pained me. “I think so.”

My eyes slid to Annabelle, who was about ten years of age. “Then there’s my Belle. She was full of life and so incredibly intelligent that if she were born a man she would have dominated the world. I could sit and listen to her talk about anything and everything for the rest of eternity.” I giggled, thinking about a memory.

He turned to stare right at me.

My laugh died out immediately, and he begged, “Please don’t stop. I love it when you laugh.”

I hummed and cuddled into his side more.

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