Lessia,
How far we’ve come from those streets in Vastala. I remember watching you from the dark alleys, trying to understand why you shied away from everyone, why you hid from the entire world.
Now I know. I know the guilt you carried. I felt it when I wasn’t able to save you that day when Rioner’s soldiers came. I felt it when I watched you continue to struggle in Ellow and didn’t know how to help you. I feel it now as I write this, but you know I am no good at goodbyes, so I am hoping you’ll forgive me. Cedar and I have left to gather the half-Fae in Vastala—and to let everyone know how the world will work under Iviry’s rule—and I am hoping you won’t be at the castle when we return.
Merrick spoke to me before we left the ships—he is not just terrifying overall, but terrifyingly clever as well—and I talked to the children, so what I write next comes from all of us.
Please let go of your guilt. You took care of us when no one else would. You cared for us better than our parents ever would—and in some way, we all consider you a mother or sister. You’re our family, Lessia, and as such, we want you alive.
Go and find out how to remain that way.
And in the meantime… we’ll be wreaking all kinds of havoc.
Love,
Your family
A whimper fought to be freed from her throat, andshe whispered, “M-Merrick?” as she forced her watery eyes to his.
“Just read,” he said again, his own voice shaking as he took the letter from her, leaving her with the two final ones. “Please,” he added in a whisper when a heavy tear fell down her cheek.
“I—” Her words cut off when Merrick lifted his hand and placed it on her chin with such tenderness that her throat closed with how much she loved this male before her. His eyes still sparkled, and she could tell… if she chose not to continue reading… he wouldn’t fault her. He’d… he’d do whatever she wanted.
That’s precisely what these letters were.
They weren’t just time.
They were an offer of choice—an informed one.
Lessia closed her eyes and leaned into his touch before whispering “Okay.”
Her vision was still blurry when she opened her eyes again, but she blinked away the tears as she picked up Frelina’s letter while Merrick’s hand landed on her knee, and tried to ignore the spots where the ink had seeped out after getting wet.
Elessia.
My dearest sister. My family.
First of all, I am so sorry for the time I slapped you. It was immature and I have regretted it every day since (although I won’t lie, it did feel great at the time).
We might not have had all the time together that I had hoped we would, but what we’ve had—albeit in war and fighting and sorrow—I wouldn’t trade for the world.
I feel so lucky to have seen who you’ve become: a brave, strong, loving person whom I will always look up to. And that’s why I beg of you—go with Merrick. Figure out how tolive and love and be happy. I know you’re probably thinking about the rest of us back here—that you need to sacrifice yourself for us—but please realize that you already died for us, Elessia.
I think it’s enough now.
I think it’s time to be a little selfish.
I think it’s time to enjoy the Death Whisperer (ugh, now I remember that horrible vision, but I am trying to be happy for you instead of grossed out!).
I love you. So much. And we’ll see each other again—of that I have no doubt.
Go!
Frelina
Tears dripped onto the paper, making entire words disappear, and Lessia quickly put it to the side, bringing the final letter—a much shorter one—to her face.
Better to just get this over with.
