Page 60 of Curse of Thorns
“You’re willing to run off on some impossible mission,” I say softly, “which will likely result in your death, for the off chance you can help re-establish a nation for your forgotten people. Is this so different?”
“Yes,” he whispers, eyes cast to the ground. I know I’ve already won the argument, but he continues, “Because there’s hope, even if it’s small. If you go now, there is no hope. You’re lost, without any doubt.”
“I know you don’t realize it,” I say. “But I was lost a really long time ago.”
He shakes his head. “You’re wrong.” His fierce eyes meet mine again. “You think you’re a lost soul, destroyed in that battle ages ago. But you are the absolute strongest person I’ve ever met. Your soul may be scared. You might have pain. Your magic may be one of darkness. But you, Caelynn of the Shadow Court, are bright as the fucking sun.”
My mouth falls open as I examine his face. He believes it.
“It was only a matter of time,” he says more gently. “Rev saw it too. It was hard for him, but he was falling in love with you. He’d have loved you. And he’d have found a way to free you, eventually. I saw it. That future, where you could have been together. You could have been happy. I wanted that for you.”
I press my eyes closed, my lip trembles. “I couldn’t see it,” I admit. “But I wanted it too.”
Ty’s hand falls from my chest, freeing me.
I stand there, heaving in breaths, pain pressing down on me. Then, finally, I sniff and stand up straight, determination filling me again.
“Choice is up to you, Cae,” Kari says. “Are you staying or going?” She’s not trying to push me one way or the other.
“I’m going.” There’s no doubt.
She nods sharply. “Then come with me.”
My chin jerks back. “What? Where?”
“My court is one portal away. I’ll get you set up with all the supplies you need and send you on your way.”
I blink slowly. I have plenty of things in the Crumbling Court, but that’s an hour’s ride away. “Okay, then.”
I give Ty a long hug and thank him for everything. His friendship, his aid, his belief in me. All of it means the world. Then, I follow Kari toward a black stallion, eyeing us.
“For the record, I agree with everything Ty said just now.”
“Uhh, thanks, I guess?” Much of what he said was saying I shouldn’t go. Does she mean that too? Because she’s being rather supportive if so.
“But I’d do the same thing if I were in your position, and I’d destroy anyone who stood in my way. I don’t intend to be that person.”
“Thank you.”
