“All we have is this life,” Twino says quietly. “And we want to start enjoying it, not just living it. Not spending good years looking over our shoulders or waiting for the next knife in the dark. We know what you and Gregor said about the World erasing memories, and we’re all right with it. We’ll take whatever future comes to enjoy this present in our own way.”
I suck in a breath and nod slowly. I want to beg them to stay. Wantto scream that I need them. That my luck is only as good as the people around me. That I just lost Jura, and I can’t lose them now, too. That we’re stronger together, and they can’t just give up on everything we’ve fought for.
But I simply nod. And then nod again, eyes pressed closed as I will tears not to fall. I can understand their choice. More than that, I respect it. They are choosing their own fate—making their own world.
As I will make mine.
I pull Twino in for a tight embrace. Then do the same for Ren. “Please, keep yourselves safe.”
Ren studies me as we pull apart. “We’re not the ones to worry over here. What about you, Clara? What will be left of you if you keep on this path?”
Whatwillbe left of me? The question hits deeper than expected. I’m barely holding myself together physically and emotionally. Every crack is plastered over with fury and a raw determination that borders on insanity.
“There will be enough of me to meet a new world.” And that’s all that matters. Before either of them can follow up with another question, I stand and say, “Vaduin will want to hear of our decisions. I must begin preparing to return to the academy.”
Chapter 17
I round the curtain that separates Arina from the room, leaving the conversation with Ren and Twino behind.
Gregor snores heavily by the door, his massive frame somehow managing to look invulnerable even in sleep. Dark circles ring his eyes, leading me to wonder how late he stayed up “on guard.” If he really trusts these Worldkeepers. Or if old habits merely die hard.
“Some guard he is,” Ren says with a note of fondness.
I nudge Gregor with the toe of my boot. “All right, big guy, time to get up.”
Gregor wakes with a start, his hand immediately going to the deck strapped around his biceps. After a second, he gets his bearings and sighs. “Morning already?”
“Probably?” I shrug. “Hard to tell down here. But we should go to Vaduin.”
We four make our way back through the narrow passage that connects with the main room. For a second, I’m worried about leaving Arina undefended, but I force myself to go. There’s only one way in and out of that room, and I can watch it the entire time.
The main room is busier than it was yesterday. More figures in dark clothing move about with silent efficiency.At least their numbers inspire a little bit more confidence…Boxes are moved in and out, suggesting some kind of job that I barely keep myself from inquiring about. Vaduin is at the center table, giving orders.
“Ah…” He hums when he sees us approaching. “I trust you all slept well?”
“Well enough,” I answer for all of us.
“And did your sleep yield the clarity you sought on our offer?”
Twino is the first to speak. “We appreciate the invitation, but we decline.” He gestures between himself and Ren. “We’re getting out of this life entirely.”
Vaduin nods, unsurprised. “Where will you go? Do you need passage outside of Oricalis?”
“We’ll stay here for now,” Twino says, glancing at me. I give a slight nod.
I hope they stay longer than “for now.” Crew or not, they are still the closest thing I have to family other than Gregor and Arina.
“Then the offer remains, should you change your mind,” Vaduin says.
“Noted.” But nothing about Twino’s stance makes it seem like he’d ever take Vaduin up on it.
“I’m staying,” Gregor says simply. “I’m ready to see Oricalis burn, and I’m ready to be the one to help do it.” His conviction strikes me with the thought that there were two paths following Jura’s death: fleeing and vengeance. “And besides, someone needs to keep Clara from doing something stupid.”
I shoot him a sharp look. He just grins.
“Excellent. We look forward to teaching you our ways, and, should you prove worthy, you will earn your place among us.” Vaduin’s eyes shift to me, the most important of this lot to the Worldkeepers. “And you?”
The room stills. The other Worldkeepers pause what they’re doing, not making the slightest effort to hide that they’re hanging on my next words. I let out a soft sigh.
