“Remiah Vale.”
I stood and walked to Ezra, sticking out my hand. He gave me a sly smirk before shaking my hand.
“I’ll be seeing you soon, friend.”
Chapter 17
Della
Idebated where I should do this. I knew Mikel and Haden would need to be present. Remiah might be confused and scared when she comes back. I didn’t know how I was supposed to prepare for this when I had no idea of how it would turn out.
My dress pooled all around me as I sat on the hard ground outside of Crimson Castle. I could feel that Haden was inside. My soul practically clawed at my insides to go to him. I missed him terribly, but soon I would be back with him—at least I hoped I would. Soon I would set the realm right again. Soon he and Mikel would get their wish. A realm where Remiah lived.
I flipped the dark red book open to page 444. Then I grabbed the black candle and carved her name into it with the ivory dagger Mikel had given me hundreds of years ago. Before I continued, I sat and just watched the Crimson Castle for a moment. I always loved this castle. The red lights illuminated the gardens and cast their pretty glow into the sky. I swallowedhard as I tried not to think of everything I had done—all the ways I had messed up my life.
Memories of Haden and I flashed violently through my mind. I focused hard and pictured a life I had imagined for Haden and myself—a happy life. Sadness filled me again. It would never be mine. At some point, I had accepted that I would not survive this, and I knew my death would happen a short time after I brought Remiah back.
“Might as well get this over with,” I muttered to myself. I lit the candle, and its flame burned black. Then I recited a small passage from the book to summon her to me.
“Sky above and flames below, bring to me the one I know. Over earth, or through the sea, bring the one I seek to me.” I almost gasped when the flame rose abnormally high, then it sank back down to barely a flicker.
“Bring me back the soul of Remiah Vale,” I whispered on the last line. Then I waited. How long would it take for a soul to find me? I glanced around, making sure I couldn’t see her coming. I didn’t. My hand shielded the black flame as I stood up. This couldn’t go out, or else she couldn’t find her way to me. When I turned forward again, I nearly dropped the candle.
Remiah had appeared in front of me. Heavens above, she looked like Haden in so many ways. She looked confused at first. Her soul glowed purple, pure and kind. Part of me wondered if Ezra would go back on his word. I guess part of me wanted to not have to do this, but it would make Haden and Mikel happy. It would break my curse of losing my mate.
“Della?” she whispered.
Her voice was soft and lovely—just like she was. I gave her a small smile. She had been my friend before I took her away. It wasn’t until our eyes met that I realized how much guilt I had been carrying inside of me. I felt the tears spill down my face.
“Remiah.”
Her face lit up with a smile, and her form glowed more brightly in her transparent state. Her dark blonde hair was loose around her pretty face. She had a good soul.
“Why are you crying?” she asked.
“Because you've been gone for a long time, and I wish I could've brought you back sooner.” I looked up at her. “I’m sorry for choosing to save Haden that night when it was him who was supposed to die, not you.”
Remiah tilted her head to the side and smiled softly. “You made the right choice. You saved the one you loved; I do not blame you.”
Her words made me feel shittier.
“Mikel has missed you terribly,” I said.
“Gods, I have missed him so much.” She looked at me. “He was probably so sad.”
“More than you will ever know.” I frowned.
She glanced at the castle and frowned.
“Where are we?” she finally asked, confused.
“Crimson Kingdom. Your brother is inside, and soon Mikel will be here.”
Her eyes widened. “I can see them?” She looked around. “I’ve missed them so much. How long have I been gone?”
“About ten years.”
She gasped at this news. Remiah was watching me as I set her candle down carefully between us.
