Page 89 of Unruly
“Yes.”
“Look behind you.”
I do, and I’m pleasantly surprised to see Elina. She’s holding a pink box in her hand.
“Elina. What brings you?”
“I have a delivery for you.” She smiles at Borja. “For both of you, really.”
I take the box from her, but she puts her hand over mine. “Before you open it, just know that what’s inside will change your life based purely on your heart’s desire.”
Nodding solemnly, I glance at Borja and then the box again. I’ve heard of this event before. If my heart is clear and my intentions true, then the Box of Fate will know. If Borja and I are meant for each other, this is the moment we’ll know for certain. If not, it’ll be the end of this beautiful dream.
“Open it with me, Borja.”
“Are you sure?”
I nod. “Yes.”
“Okay then.” He puts his hand on the ribbon. “Let’s do this.”
We pull the ribbon at the same time, then, glancing at each other, lift the lid. Inside is a small white stone. I look up at Elina. “I don’t understand.”
“Pick it up, silly.”
Nodding, I reach into the box and take out the stone, noting how warm it is in my palm. I open my mouth to say something, but I stop as a hazy gray mist rises from the stone. It swirls around us, visions of us together playing before our eyes.
Borja squeezes my hand, leaning against my arm. In the vision, I see a cozy room that doesn’t look at all like Borja’s current room and certainly isn’t my room in the Revival House. No, this is a new place. We watch ourselves share meals, cuddle on the couch with books, and walk on the sidewalk hand in hand.
My chest warms, a tugging feeling drawing me even closer to Borja. When I look at him, his mouth is hanging open.
“Do you feel that?” he asks.
I nod. “Yes.”
A scroll appears and drops onto my lap. I unroll it, curious as to what’s inside. When I read the words, I gasp.
“Gods.”
“What does it say, Farns?”
“If I accept, I’m released from my duties running the Revival House. A replacement will be found, and I’ll be free to stay in the Above as a Chaser.”
Borja frowns. “You have to give up your position for me?”
I nod. “Yes.”
“Shit. I’m sorry.”
“Sorry?” I chuckle, shaking my head. “It’s a relief, Borja. I didn’t think there was any way, but Fate has been generous. I’ve waited centuries to feel the way I do with you. I wouldn’t give it up for anything.”
“But you love your work.”
“Do I? Or did the endless ocean of loneliness convince me that I did?”
Borja cups my face. “You really want to stay with me?”
“If you’ll have me, I’d love to.”
