“Oh God, it’s too late, it’s too late,” she cried.
She looked at Robby, her heart breaking, shattering in tiny, jagged shards, each piercing her, drawing blood.
“It’s not too late if you hurry,” Arcane said.
She swung around to see him standing with Maximus behind the bench.
“They’ve gone, and my decision was to remainhere.”
Just saying it tore deeper into her soul.
Arcane smiled as he walked to her. “It pains me so to see you in such pain, child. I never said you couldn’tleavethe city, just that if you did, you could not return. And that if you did leave, you would be returning to an unfamiliar world. We don’t hold prisoners here.”
Her mouth dropped open, her mind struggling to comprehend the implications of what he said.
“But I suggest if you have changed your mind, to hurry. Once they reach the gap in the rock, time will pass much quicker for them than you, and your departure may be for naught. Even now, it is likely they have already reached the gate.”
She looked between her father and Robby, her mind whirling.
“Go on, girl. You better go after your young man. You wouldn’t want to lose him again,” her father said gently.
She flung herself into his arms, wincing as her shoulder bumped his chest. “I love you, Papa. I’ll always love you.”
He stroked her hair then kissed the top of her head. “I love you too. I want you to be happy. Now go on.”
She pulled away then ran over to throw her arms around Robby. “I love you,” she said fiercely. “I could never hope for a better brother.”
“Take care of Ridge for me,” Robby said as he hugged her back.
She broke away and looked at Arcane. “Where do I go?”
“Follow me,” he said with a smile. “I’ll show you the way.”
Chapter Thirty-Seven
The London Historical Society
Six months later
“And so gentlemen, I conclude by saying that while fascinating, the legend of Pagoria is simply that. A legend. Nothing more. It is time to turn our minds to more serious pursuits. More meaningful pursuits. Ones that will lead us to great discoveries.”
Ridge finished his carefully prepared speech, closing the aged journal of Sir Roderick Castleton. He looked up from the podium as a smattering of applause rang out over the assembled scholars, historical enthusiasts and other interested parties.
And so it was over. His hands shook as he collected his papers and stepped away. He spent a moment collecting himself before stepping down from the elevated platform to mingle with his peers.
“Jolly good speech, Ridgewood.”
Ridge nodded at the man congratulating him but didn’t stop to converse. He smiled halfheartedly, barely hearing the comments bouncing over the gathered people. He nodded when he thought appropriate, but his sole aim was to escape the assembly so he could grieve in peace.
Six long months had passed since he and his father had left Pagoria, and not a day passed that he didn’t think of India or Robby. He missed them both, but India occupied his heart in a way no other person ever would. How did you account for half of your soul being missing?
Today he had done his final service to the people he loved. By putting to rest the rumors of Pagoria, by discrediting everything he knew to be true of the city, he protected the people of the city. It was the least he could do.
“I’m very proud of you, son.”
Ridge looked up. “Father! What are you doing here? I didn’t realize you were coming.”
The earl smiled. “Of course I wouldn’t miss your speech on Pagoria.” His expression saddened just a bit. “I understand why you did what you did. I also realize how hard it must have been for you given how long you researched the city.”
