Page 252 of The Consumption of Magic (Tales From Verania 3)

---

I have to do what is right. What has been asked of me. I cannot stop him. Not now. Not as I am. Sometimes, you have to face your destiny head-on. And that’s what I am going to do.

I love you all.

Stay safe.

I’ll come back as soon as I can.

The second letter was addressed to Ryan Foxheart.

Ryan—

You will wake up. I know you will. There’s no other choice. And when you do, I’m not going to be there. I’m sorry for that. You’re going to be mad. I don’t blame you. I’d be pissed at you if you were doing this to me.

But I think, maybe, after the anger had faded just a little, I’d understand.

I’m hoping you can do that for me.

I don’t want to leave you.

But I think this is bigger than just you or me.

It’s my destiny.

And I still hate that word so, so much.

Because it’s not fair.

I never wanted this.

I never asked for this.

But it was given to me, regardless.

Morgan’s gone.

Randall is missing.

And if I’m going to have the strength I need to stop Myrin, then I need the Great White.

And in order to get him on our side, I need to do what he’s asking of me.

A year, Ryan. At the most.

Hold on, okay?

Just hold on.

Because one day, and one day soon, I am going to come back for you.

And I will never let you go.

I love you.

The world’s biggest Foxy Lady—

Sam

I HAD been in the Dark Woods for three days before I was joined by the fairies. They came from the trees and followed me closely for a time before their king came forward.

---