We made our way through The Forest of the Forgotten, the trees thick but stagnant. Even with parts of Celentra moving again, some places still echo the stillness. A stillness that made my heart ache.
As we continued our trek through the forest, my stomach kept trying to make its way out of my throat. I couldn’t control my hands shaking at my sides.
My time in Arynthia, training with Castor and Kathera, had changed me.
The years at the palace in Arinthe guarding Kathera, going on missions to try to save Celentra from The Dark Queen.
Years that changed who I am.
Cyrus bumped his arm into mine as his thoughts drifted into my mind. Don’t worry, your parents are going to know that you are a warrior.
I was destined to be Kathera’s protector. She’s dead. I failed,' I told him, trying to keep my mind from drifting back to that day
You couldn’t protect her from herself, Ami. From her destiny. It was a part of what the Fates demanded; you couldn’t stop that. Cyrus grabbed my hand and stopped walking. The others passed us.
“I tried to stop it,” I said aloud, my voice shaking as tears began to fall.
“I know you did,” Cyrus said, putting an arm around me. “Your parents will know you did, too.”
I sniffled, trying to gather my composure. We had a mission: lead me home.
A place I had hoped to show Kathera one day. A place to see my parents, people I had so desperately wanted to introduce her to.
Instead, I walked next to the woman carrying her soul until we could revive her.
Someone I was still learning to fully trust.
\