Page 79 of Unruly
“Distraction? Oh, goodness. You really have spent too much time down there alone.
You poor dear. You’ve forgotten what it looks like to be rewarded.”
“Rewarded?”
“Yes, of course. You’re right—you have been loyal and faithful for several hundred years down there in the dark, leading the troops, restoring the balance of the Above. Why wouldn’t it be a nice thing to make sure you get to be loved as well?”
I’m stunned as her words sink in. “You mean we’re fated? I don’t have to say goodbye to Borja?”
“Just the opposite. It looks different for you. He’s a Chaser too, you know, so no love bond required. All you have to do is admit your love to each other.”
“But we hardly know each other.”
“Does that mean you don’t have feelings for him?”
“How could I? We’ve only just met and…” The words fade on my tongue as the truth of my emotions settles over me. “I suppose I’m rather fond of him.”
“Rather fond of him?” she repeats, smiling. “You don’t have to play coy with me, Farnsworth. I know your heart. I know the things you’ve told him and shared with him, because he makes you feel safe, doesn’t he?”
“Yes,” I admit. “He does. You shouldn’t be spying on me though.”
“Merely doing my job.” She pats my shoulder. “He’s meant for you, Farnsworth. You deserve this.”
“I didn’t expect it. I thought it was just a mission and it would all be over.”
“But now you know, which makes getting him back all the more important, doesn’t it?”
“Yes. Do you know where he is?”
“He’s right there in front of you.”
“I meant spiritually, Elina.”
“Oh.” She giggles. “Sure. He’s in the astral plane. I don’t recommend you go there though. The Horror is hoping you’ll do exactly that, and he’s very committed to not going back. You’ll need a different approach.”
“Right. I need a plan that will get the Horror to let go of him so I can banish it and save Borja, correct?”
“It’s easier than you think. You’re looking in all the wrong places, dear boy. Trust your heart and your instincts. You’re not just some guy. You’re not the leader of the Soul Chasers by chance. You got there through your expertise. You may be a little rusty, but you can do it. Believe in yourself, believe in him, and everything will be fine. But do hurry. The Horror is motivated, as I’m sure you know.”
“Yes, I know. Thank you for coming.”
“Of course. Oh, and here’s a tip to get you started. There’s a witch called Calex. He’ll be able to help.” She smiles warmly. “Do invite me to the wedding. I just adore weddings.”
I shake my head. “I’m hardly in the mood to think of wedding planning.”
“It’ll be here before you know it.”
She’s gone before I can say anything else, leaving me a bit gobsmacked.
All this time I was supposed to meet Borja and fall in love with him. The plan must have been set in motion the moment he died. The things we’ve done together have been by design, not by accident. We were meant for each other, meant for this.
It’s an overwhelming thought, one I can’t give in to right now if I ever want to see him again.
Right now, I need to focus on the task at hand, and that means finding this witch and consulting my reference material.One thing I have that the Horror doesn’t is the entire arsenal of the underworld.
I’m sure I can figure this out and get Borja safely back to me, and then, well, then I guess I’ll tell him what we are to each other and hope he feels the same.
Chapter 21
