Cass blinked back her own tears and reached over to hug her. “You’re not alone.”
“I know.” The embrace warmed the cold places left from the battery of memories. “Thank you for following me, Cass. I couldn’t have done this without you. Without either of you,” she amended, glancing over to include Connor.
“Back at you,” he said with a wink.
Cass grinned. “You know I’m always up for murder and mayhem.”
“That isnotwhat I meant!”
The ridiculous expression on Cass’s face, like a snarky wolf after a hunt, made her laugh, in turn spurring Cass and Connor into laughter as well. After all the tears, the laughter felt wonderful.
“You’re ridiculous,” Celina said.
“Mmm, but good with a blade. And breaking and entering.”
“I admit, those skills were helpful too.”
“Any time.” Cass smiled sincerely.
“You should get some more rest,” Connor said as he released her. “The healing rite will take more energy than you’re ready for otherwise.”
“Daya is really a guardian?” Celina asked, still a bit stunned by the revelation the others had shared with her on their return from the fortress.
“She really is.” Connor smiled, but his jaw was tight as he turned away.
It was hard for her to believe that the woman who had fought so fiercely for Connor was akin to a mythical creature. Over time, guardians had disappeared, just like magic had. But magic was returning to the people. Perhaps other ancient things were too.
Chapter 34
Thelasttrailsofdaylight filtered through the trees in beautiful amber streams as the refugees and rescuers wandered deeper into the mountain. Though joyful, it had been a long day for everyone. Multiple healings and long conversations had filled the day, along with many tears.
Ahead of Rodric, Brenna walked confidently through the forest, the knife gifted to her by Celina belted around her waist. His guardian bracelet had been returned to its rightful place on her wrist, the red threads a match to the new cloak she was wearing. The waning sunlight glinted off the medallion every so often when she raised her arm to point out something to her friends.
At least she hadn’t lost all of herself in the depths of that dungeon. Her comfort and ease navigating through the uneven terrain relieved some of his tension, though not all. How did he help her heal and move beyond this, into the life she was meant for?
Celina’s soft hand gripped his own, reminding him he wasn’t alone.
Exiting the forest, they stepped into a protected glade. The idyllic space was unlike any place he’d seen throughout Eldridge. A deep pool of water glistened, soft grass welcoming them to sit and soak up the peace of the environment. Tall, thick trees ringed the area, ancient in their towering presence.
An open yet secluded space to one side was laid in colored stone. At the center was a large, shallow pit perfect for a communal fire, surrounded by a rock barricade to keep the fire controlled. A low, flickering flame waited for their arrival, the crackle barely audible above the light wind that blew through the glade.
A deep intake of breath from Connor made him turn. From across the meadow, near the edge of the pool, Daya approached, the fading rays of sun providing a gentle glow around her. She was a vision of ancient power, a solemn peace emanating from her.
Rodric needed a moment to reconcile this facet of the woman. When they’d met, she’d been a fierce, protective huntress. She’d become a trusted partner through the tumultuous events of the past few days. In the evening light, she approached them now as a guardian of old, tasked with providing guidance, wisdom, and ritual to the people.
The air hummed gently in her wake, as if aware of her presence. The mountain itself echoed of nature at its most impressive. Standing in such a sacred space, he was more aware and in tune with his magic than he’d ever imagined possible. How had their people, their ancestors, given this up?
Daya moved toward the stone space, with Veda beside her. Slowly, the others followed her lead, circling around the fire. Keeping hold of Celina’s hand, Rodric drew Brenna to his other side, touching her head in reassurance when she looked up at him nervously.
“To all who come to the mountain, to the ancient place of our ancestors, welcome.” Daya bowed her head, hand over her heart. “As a guardian, I’m called to guide us in the ancient way, but Eldridge is not a place where magic lives freely. Instead of embracing the inheritance of our ancestors, it has been driven out. We come together now to begin the healing journey.”
Opening her arms, Daya raised her palms to the sky. “We come to the heart of the mountain as a place of peace and healing. Of transformation. And most importantly, of community. The mountain calls us all together. Those who are suffering, injured, and in pain. Those with weary minds, heavy hearts, and broken spirits. Together, our burdens are less, our victories more. When there is need to fight, defend, and protect; to guide, heal, and speak truth; to endure, stand, and rise again; we must do so in community and connection.” Cupping her palms together, she held them over her heart.
“Together, in community, we cleanse our bodies and souls of the pain and trauma that came before.” Looking down at Veda standing beside her, Daya nodded.
Moving forward tentatively, Veda looked to Connor and received a nod of encouragement. Chin coming up strongly, she took the final steps to the fire and produced her yellow captive collar. Holding it up with both hands, she released it to fall among the logs and branches.
Rodric’s heart vibrated with years of emotion as the fire destroyed the symbol. Memories burning hotly behind his eyes as the flames consumed Veda’s connection to the fortress.
