“What they say is true,” Fanon said. His tone lacked all the sharpness it used to contain. Instead, it was deeper, laced with grief and exhaustion. “Even more pressing is that we made a binding vow to Ailan. Everyone on the tribunal did, and it outlasts her death. We would accept these few humans as citizens in El’Ara, but none of our kind will be left in Lela.”
Ailan had told her as much, but she’d imagined the Elvyn soldiers, not Valorre. Yet…a part of her had understood those terms extended to the unicorns. It was why Valorre had worked so hard to escort his brethren through the Veil before she pushed themoraback.
Even so, not once had she imagined Valorre being left in El’Ara when all was said and done.
“We cannot let you leave with him,” Fanon said, tone surprisingly gentle. “Doing so would break our oath. And if you leave with him against our will, your actions will void what we agreed to. The tribunal will no longer be beholden to keep their vows.”
Cora’s stomach turned. She could imagine what that would mean. They could take it out on Mareleau, Larylis, and Helena.
He’s right. Valorre spoke into her mind, his tone resigned.I cannot leave with you if you want your friends to stay safe.
Cora’s heart cracked.
Then his voice took on a cheery tone.So I’ll just come back to you later!
What do you mean?Her heart thudded with hope. Did she dare hope?
You heard him, Valorre said.They cannot let you leave with me, nor can you take me with you against their will. But there’s nothing in their vow that forbids me from leaving El’Ara of my own accord later for a fully unrelated reason.
She puzzled over his words.Your horn may have the ability to pierce the Veil, but our worlds are no longer connected in such a tangible way. The Veil is invisible now. There’s no wall of mist to walk through.
Our worlds still rest side by side. I’ll find a way.
You’re no worldwalker.
But you are, and we’re connected. We always will be.
He was so confident, so assured. She wanted to believe him, but…
Do not doubt me, he said, tossing his mane.I am a superior being among my kind. No unicorn has bonded a human before and none will ever again. I am the smartest and handsomest of all fae creatures. Surely I can find my way to your world.
She couldn’t help but smile at that.Even if it means losing your magic and becoming a horse?
He internally scoffed.I’ll still be the largest, fastest, and smartest horse on your planet. Don’t lump me in with those brainless fornicators.
Tears rolled down her cheeks, but her heart felt lighter. It was still breaking, and maybe it would never heal. She couldn’t rely on the future he hoped for, but she could share his dream.
Maybe someday they’d meet again.
But for now…this was goodbye.
She pressed her face into his neck, memorizing the softness of his coat, the hum of his energy all around her. Teryn joined her, one hand on her shoulder, the other stroking Valorre’s mane.
Tell Teryn not to look at a single horse while I’m gone, Valorre said, tone somber.
That’s kind of a lot to ask.
Well, tell him not to look at a single one withaffection. He better keep those dazzling eyes to himself. And when he looks at his reflection and sees that stupid moonlight hair, he better think of me.
Cora chuckled.We both will. I promise.
With her lungs still tight enough to burst, she forced herself to pull away from her unicorn companion, her best friend, and the creature who had set everything currently in her life into motion. He was the reason she’d left the Forest People. He was the reason she’d crossed paths with Teryn. He’d changed her life. She couldn’t imagine the unbearable silence she’d endure once he was no longer in it.
I’ll find you, he said, more certain than ever.I’ll cross worlds forever if I must. You’ll see.
See you soon, then.
She blinked tears from her eyes so she could memorize this final image. Mareleau, Larylis, Noah, and Helena huddled together. Etrix and Garot waving goodbye. Fanon offering a single nod of farewell. Valorre at the center, his head held high, sunlight glinting off his pale fur.
