The End of Innocence: Book 3 of the Kinstone series
Chapter 18: Saying goodbye for now

The final morning of the gathering is met to the same disdain and dread which follows the start of anything coming to an end. But it at least starts off on a good note.

I open my eyes to replace my mother sleeping peacefully. Some of her raven hair covers her face, obscuring it. I smile softly, reaching over and brushes it out of the way. I know how it’s said that there’s nothing more peaceful than seeing a child sleeping.

That saying kinda goes out the window where my mother is involved. I’m not saying she sleeps like a child, only that it can become a little captivating seeing her at rest.

I lean in closer, reaching in once more to brush away more of her hair. I then replace her hand taking mine and gently grasping it. “Good morning sweetheart,” she greets softly.

I grin, turning our hands so that our fingers interlace, “Morning Rachel.”

Her eyes slowly open, revealing her deep violet eyes.

She then wraps her arms around my body, pulling me into her. She holds me tenderly, stroking my hair. I buried my face into her chest, feeling it rise and fall with every breath.

It’s not often that Rachel and I share the same bed, but it tends to be a special time for the both of us. Just mother and daughter together, hearing only the sound of the ceiling fan spinning overhead.

I peer up to her, “Can’t believe that after today, everyone won’t be together for another six months.”

She presses her forehead against mine, “I know sweetheart. I know. But it doesn’t diminish our strong ties with the Coven. We scatter ourselves to the four winds, only to assemble twice a year. Apart from whenever those close enough who wish to gather.”

I took a soft breath, still hating to be separated from my friends, and worst…my sister.

My mother then lifts her chin and pecks my forehead, “You should go ahead and get ready sweetheart. Our checkout time will be soon after breakfast.”

I sigh, releasing my grip from her nightgown, “All right.” I roll off of the bed and disappear into the bathroom, tossing my pajamas onto a chair.

After a quick shower, I exit the bathroom and hop over to my suitcase and pull out my clothes for the day, throwing them on. I sit at the vanity and braid my hair, plopping it over my shoulder when finished. I then slip on some sneakers, looking back at the bed, seeing that Fenris has now taken residence of it.

I smirk, crawling onto it and him. The wolf rolls to his side as I rake my fingers into his fur. I grin, softly kneading his head, leaning into his ear, “Last day to be the ‘Big Doggy’.”

He half-opens his eye and looks up at me, batting my rear with his tail.

I let out a soft giggle, sliding off of the bed and back over to my suitcase, making sure I have everything packed out and ready to go. I glance up to the bathroom, still hearing the shower running. It’ll take her a while before she’s ready, giving me time to head out and relax a bit.

I clip the case shut and haul it up, rolling it over to the door. I slip out, making sure to be quiet as I do.

Fenris of course, bounds off of the bed and trots past me, again replaceing a spot on the carpet, plopping his body down. I chuckle softly, shaking my head. I pull the door closed, giving my mother her privacy.

I roll my suitcase over to the door and then head over to the couch, seeing Orga and Kateryna seated by a table.

“Good morning Your Highness,” both rising as they greet me.

I let out a yawn, turning around and leaning up against the couch, “Morning,” looking to the knights, “hope you had a good time last night. Apart from me throwing up, I had fun.”

Kateryna retook her seat, crossing her legs “We did, although the music was rather…loud. Too loud for my tastes if I must be honest.”

I smirk, “Yeah... dubstep is not something I can stand. But the others like it for whatever reason.”

I hop over the back of the couch, landing on the sofa cushions with a bounce. I lean back, staring out the windows, seeing the clear sky through the curtains, praying that the weather for the trip home will be just as nice.

I pan over to the couple, and then rose from the couch, sitting with them at the table. I lean forward, placing my arms onto the table, “So…thoughts on our coven?”

Orga folds his hands, looking as proper as one can get, “The parents were a pleasure to speak with over the course of the past two days,” he then leans in, forming a grin, “I even discovered a few little things about you from them.”

I tilt my head, then instantly remember seeing the couple talking to Miss Elizabeth. Knowing her, she probably had a few embarrassing stories from our trip to Italy. My head drops, letting out a soft groan.

His wife reaches out with her hand, taking mine, “Your friends are truly wonderful, Your Highness. I personally found it quite enjoyable strolling around the various shops.”

I smirk, holding hers, “You really dropped your stiff exterior when with us. It sort of felt like you were an adult from this era. I couldn’t believe how natural you acted around us.”

She grins, “Believe it or not Your Highness, but it was in fact rather easy to. I furthermore possessed a good teacher in your sister, the Lady Marron. I merely watched how she interacted with you and your friends, and instinctively took on the role of the adult.”

I giggle, “I’m glad you did. You don’t always have to be stoic guardians, just be yourselves.”

The couple bow their heads, “We shall endeavor to do so, Your Highness.”

I rest my head onto my arms, still waiting from Rachel to finish up getting ready. I let out short breaths, trying to gather my thoughts. It had been a good few days, time with friends and simply enjoying a summer.

Part of me wishes the Gathering was at the ocean. I giggle to myself, imagining how the boys would’ve reacted to seeing an elf in a bathing suit. Many a young boy’s fantasies would blossom.

Then of course they’d witness me swimming around in the ocean as a mermaid. The idea of watching their little faces shine was almost palatable. My cheeks burned softly wondering how some of the younger girls might look on me.

Maybe for next year I’ve got petition for the Gathering to indeed take place at a beach resort or something. But…that was a whole other year away.

I felt Kateryna’s hand gripping mine tighter. I pan my head over to her, seeing the elf’s eyes flutter in the light. A soft smile broke on my lips, still feeling the pressure from where I was resting my cheek.

Her thumb strokes my palm, “Are you feeling well Your Highness? You seem rather lost in thought.”

I stare into her deep emerald eyes, seeing my reflection in hers. “I’m okay. Just thinking, that’s all.”

She leans in and caresses my face, “It’s painful to say goodbye isn’t it?”

My eyes dart away softly, giving a nod. “I know that I can always call them, but it’s just not the same.” I smirk, “Wow, just listen to me complain like a child.”

Her hand gently glides over my cheek, “Aside from the obvious truth that you are indeed a child, it’s normal in desiring to be near one’s friends more often.”

I look into her eyes, “What about you two? I...I’m guessing you miss yours too.” The couple stare at each other for a moment, then back to me.

Orga’s face softens, pain filling his eyes. Thoughts of loss were far deeper than he probably was willing to admit to.

“It is true, Your Highness. While I do indeed long for my old comrades-in-arms, I truthfully miss my Lord and Lady, and their daughter a great deal.”

He lowers his gaze, “I…must accept the harsh reality they have all long since perished. But I take solace in the face that I now serve their descendant. One in my eyes is truly worthy of their legacy. It may have only been a short time since we have known each other, but I see so much of them within you.”

My cheeks blush even hotter, “I…don’t think I’m worthy of such praise. I just want to be a girl, living out her life.”

His wife smiles brightly, “Your humble yourself too much Your Highness.”

I grip her hand tighter, “What about you? I know you loved the House of Shyair a lot,” then look away, “sometimes I feel like a cheap knockoff or replacement.”

She gets up and stands beside me, pulling me into a tight embrace. Her thin fingers strum through my hair, her body feeling warm and soft. “You are not a mere imitation Your Highness. You are our princess, even if you do not fully see yourself as one, given the spanse of time and your birth.”

I sigh softly into her abdomen, feeling as if I were being held by my mother. I glance over to Orga, who nods in agreement with his wife.

God what a mess I am. I always loved to put myself down, guess it was a tactic or defense mechanism to prevent me from losing myself to everything. Here I am, constantly doubt myself and these two shower me with encouragement.

I want to deepen my relationship with them. It really has been a short amount of time since I first met them, but I wanted them to feel like they were more than simply my knights, my…servants. Okay…hate that term, just hate it.

Kateryna then places a kiss onto the top of my head and retook her seat. My face instantly went a deep shade of red as I stare up at her.

The elf bore a massive grin, “Lady Marron told me that if you became too lost in thought or in her words, ‘a complete and total airhead’ that I was to do that.”

I grumble, slamming my head into the table, “Oh, I am going to kill her.”

The couple then burst into laughter. I sigh, folding my arms back onto the table and placing my head onto them. My thoughts then return to the day at hand.

Orga then folds his arms as he rests up against the seat, “The parents also spoke of gathering together in the winter.”

I lift my head, smiling, “The winter festival. It’s a ball held for a single night in December, marking the new year. The first one I attended was right after my family was killed, and helped me get over it. It was also where I was formally introduced to the Coven and where I met my friends.”

He smiles warmly, “You must hold that night in particular esteem.”

My eyes softly close, remembering that night, “I do. I was able to forget all of the pain I was in, and then feel like I was now a part of a new large extended family. It also was a week after that I bonded with Fenris.”

A soft chill ran through my body, smiling, “In some ways, that night signified the start of my new life with Rachel, aside from several other events over that long and stupidly chaotic year.”

“A year that I shall forever cherish my love.”

I soon replace arms snaking over my chest, pulling me back into the chair. I smile, laying my head against my mother’s chest. Her violet eyes gently stare into mine as she caresses my face.

Her face radiates a constant stream of warmth that I have long come to love and wish to climb into and disappear. She leans over and kisses my forehead, her hands still stroking my soft and tender cheeks.

The knights quickly rise from their seats and bow, “Good morning, my Lady.”

She peers up to them and smiles, “Good morning. It appeared the three of you were having a wonderful conversation that I hoped I didn’t interrupt.”

The knights shake their heads, “Not at all, my Lady.”

I cling to her arms, “So I take it you’re ready to head out?”

My mother tightens her embrace, “That I am my love.” I close my eyes for a moment enjoying the calm. The sound of a squealing stomach then fills the room, causing my cheeks to burn brightly. The trio of adults then chuckle.

“We should head on down for a spot of breakfast before leaving for the park,” grins my mother as she then lets go of me.

I rise from my chair, hearing Fenris stretching out his body, hearing the joints pop. I head over to my suitcase and pull up the handle. The knights soon follow, snatching up theirs. We exit the room and walk down the hall towards the elevator.

When we arrived at the park, everyone was already present, minus a few people. The final day of the gathering really was so that everyone could say goodbye to each other.

It typically lasted until after 3:00 in the afternoon and often had the parents grilling once more. I head over to where my friends had huddled together since the first night.

Mandy looks up and waves to me as I enter the pavilion, “Hey Aria, feeling better?”

I round my leg over the bench, plopping my butt onto the seat, “Yeah. But it really made me hungry during breakfast.”

She’s actually lying on the table, as she then flicks my forehead, “Hope you didn’t eat too much. Don’t want you to grow too fat or certain boy might not want to date you anymore.”

I glare at her, “Oh shut up.”

She grins, patting my head, “Just kidding girl.”

Alexis leans over, “You passed out pretty fast last night. I don’t think anyone wanted to wake you up.”

I lay my head onto my arms, “Yeah…sorry about that.”

She brushes some hair off of my shoulder, “You’re fine hun. Putting the idiocy of a few aside, you definitely partied hard.”

I giggle, “I had a really good time last night. Hopefully we get to do again soon.”

Jenn then sits beside me, “No kidding. Still coming to St. Louis right?”

I pan over to her, “Once I get my mom’s permission, I will.”

She wraps her arm around my shoulder, laying her head against mine, “Good, maybe once Heather gets to Nashville we could persuade our parents into letting us head on down there.”

The aforementioned girl perks up, “That be great if not for how I am supposed to be unloading a truck and entertain guests at the same.”

I giggle, “We’d be there to help I assume.”

She taps her chin, staring off into the distance. I rolled my head on my arms in mild frustration. She obviously had already made up her mind but was putting on an act. The girl then smiles, “Okay, that could work.” My eyes roll around.

Mandy then slides her phone into her purse, “Hey, why don’t we try and get next year’s gathering held at your place?”

I coil my arms tighter. The idea has crossed my mind a few times. The winter festival was huge success, but it took a lot of work to prep for. There was also now doubt we could host it, the entire spanse of the Estate was huge, easily able to accommodate everyone.

I finally let out a sigh, “Nice idea. The only problem being it might stress out the folks who live there, and I’m not just talking about the staff.”

The blonde crossed her arms, “Yeah, I can see that.”

Henry shifts on the bench, “Putting you heading to see Jenn and Heather aside, what else do you have planned for the rest of summer?”

I plant my chin onto my arms, “Well…I might go to Nerazon. I promised Savero that I’d go visit him and I really want to.”

He drank some water from his bottle, “Thought you already had a guy, who’s this ‘Savero’?”

My gaze straightens, “He’s become like a big brother to me. I pretty sure you should’ve heard of him.”

He thinks for a moment, and then snaps his fingers, “Oh…the merman who had the hots for you.”

I grumble, “Yes him.” I didn’t want to tell them that he was actually the first prince of Nerazon, really didn’t want to give the rumor mill any more fuel.

A shadow formed over me as arms wrap around my body, pulling me back. “Hey sweetie.” I look up to see Marron smiling down.

I hold onto her, “Hey Marron.”

She strokes my hair softly, “Doing okay?”

I lay my head into her chest, “Better than last night.”

My sister grins, leaning down and kissing my forehead, “Good. I just wanted to come and say goodbye.”

My eyes grow huge, “You’re leaving already?”

She sighs, “Sadly yes. I have a plane to catch really soon. So I just wanted to see you before I head out.”

I spin around on the bench and stand up, wrapping my arms around her. I hate seeing her leave, hate having to be so far away from her.

She leans down and hugs me tightly, “Just a while longer Baby Ahri,” she whispers, “you just have to be patient. Okay?”

I look up to her, hands clinging desperately to her. She chuckles, “Still a baby.”

I sniff, “Yeah…I am.”

She plants another kiss onto my forehead, “Love you sweetie.”

“Love you too.”

Marron then let’s go, slowly dropping her arms away, looking to my friends, “Stay out of trouble guys, hope to see you in December.” The group nods.

She turns to me, cupping my face before heading off. I watch as she slips into her car, giving one last wave to me. I wave back, seeing her then pull away from the parking lot.

However brief of a time I get to spend my sister was precious to me. I pray that our dream would true soon, not if now. I let out a sigh, sitting back down.

The hours drone on and slowly our little table begins to shrink in number. Mandy and Heather were the first to leave, followed by Henry. This just left Jenn, Alexis, and me.

Rachel and the knights hover around, talking to parents and other members. Fenris had taken residence near the pavilion, with the wolf resting under a tree. The past couple of days have been fun and sorely needed.

I then see Miriam walking up to us, the elder woman baring a broad smile and outstretched arms. Jenn and I instantly rose from the table and ran to her, hugging the woman tightly.

She smiles, kissing our cheeks, “I hope you all had a wonderful time.”

We nod, “Yes ma’am.”

She strokes our hair, looking to Jenn first, “I pray you have a wonderful fall my dear and good returns on colleges.”

The blonde smiles, hugging her, “Thank you granny Miriam.”

She looks to Alexis, “I pray you good fortune in your studies young lady.”

The young woman leans in and kisses the elder’s cheek, “Thank you.”

The woman then turns to me, cupping my face. I lean into her, “Thanks for coming to get me.”

Miriam rubs her thumb over my face, “You are more than welcome Aria. I shall always be a hair’s breadth away if you ever need me. A grandmother is never too far away.”

I chuckle, “Thanks granny Miriam.”

She then lifts my chin, “I do plan on visiting Japan in the coming future.” Both of our eyes grow huge.

“You’re leaving the country?” Jenn asked.

Miriam cu Callen never leaves the country, if hardly ever. I heard a rumor that if she does, the world instantly takes notice. So whatever the reason, everyone will hear about it.

The matriarch smiles, “That I am. I have some dealings that I must attend to,” looking to me, “I plan on visiting that lovely village you lived in. While there I do hope to meet everyone you know, along with the young man I have been hearing so much about.”

My cheeks burn brightly, “Please don’t embarrass me.”

The old woman chuckles, tapping my nose, “I make no promises my dear. But I must meet the young man who has taken your heart. I understand your mother has already approved of the boy, but as your grandmother, he must meet mine.”

I sigh, dropping my head. Lovely, now my grandmother is going to meet him. Asha, please watch her.

It is then that my phone went off. I quickly pull it out of my bag and turn it on. My eyes grow huge once more. You guys have the worst possible timing.

Alexis leans over, seeing my screen filled with Japanese text, “Getting texts from your friends over there?”

I grumble, “Yeah,” scrolling through them.

The girls from the village had sent me a group picture along with one from Hashibaba. I smile, seeing everyone send their greetings. The hairs on my neck then stand on end as I see one from Kenji. He too had sent a pic, nothing crazy, but seeing him nearly caused me to transform.

Jenn then snatches my phone and grins as she stared at it, “A fresh pic of the guy.”

I grumble, reaching for it, “H-hey! Give that back.” She laughed, keeping it just out of my reach, and then shows it to Miriam.

The matriarch smiles, then looking to me, “Quite the handsome young man.”

My cheeks flush even hotter as she then hands it back to me. I hold the phone, gazing at him. I quickly text everyone back before stashing it away into my bag.

The elderly woman cups my cheek, “You take care Aria. Know that if I ever replace out who sent those mean to kill you,” her eyes then appear to glow in a fiery rage, “that I will personally subject them to a hell far worse than they could ever hope to imagine. No one…and I mean no one, hurts my grandchildren.”

I rest my face into her hand, “Thank you Miriam.”

She leans closer, hugging me tightly, “You are welcome my dear.”

She then takes a step back and looks at the three of us, smiling, and then turns to leave for the parking lot.

“Aria?”

I look up to see one of the other adults standing next to a column.

“Yes sir?”

The man came closer, “There's a girl here who says she knows you. She said that you met her last night at the lake?”

I peer around him to see a brown-haired girl standing up by the parking lot.

I turn back to him, “Yeah I know her.” He nods then heads off, but eyes her again.

I look to Jenn and Alexis, “I’ll be right back.”

They too gaze at her, then back to me. “Make it quick,” responds Jenn, who obviously is curious if not concerned, “I’m not sure how much longer until I have to leave.”

I slip passed them, peering down to Fenris, who wants to jump up and go with me. I hold out my hand, “It's okay.” The wolf huffs for a moment, but stays put.

I run up to where to girl is, waving to her, “Hey Diana.”

She turns and smiles, “Well hello again. It’s a nice to meet you while not on your knees,” looking out onto field, “looks like everyone is leaving.”

I stop just before her, “Yeah, today was really for a last goodbye.”

She then turns to me, “Are you heading home too?”

I sigh heavily, “Yeah. Not quite sure when though. Just whenever my mom says it's time.”

The girl leans up against a post, clenching her bag, “Well good thing too, because my parents and I also are heading home soon.”

I tilt my head, “You don’t live here?”

She folds her arms, “No, I live in Austin.”

I quickly perk up, “Really? Where?”

“Off of Anderson Mill?”

“Which part?” leaning in forward.

“Between 183 and 620. You know the area?”

I smirk, “Yep. I used to live not too far from there. Now I’m south going towards the dam.”

She smiles, “Well, that’s pretty close then.”

I lean in a little, “Yep. So it means if you want, we could hang out.”

The girl eyes me, “Really? We barely met and you want to hang out.”

I fold my hands behind my head, “Yep.”

She scratches her head, “You are one strange little girl.”

I snort, “Not the worst thing I’ve been called before.”

I’ve definitely been called worse.

I watch as she mills about for a moment, thinking. She then looks to me, pulling out her phone, “Care to swap numbers then?”

I do the same, giving her my number. We each then looked at each other, holding up our phones.

“So where do you want to meet up?” she asks slipping her phone into her bag.

I shrug, “Where else? Lakeline Mall.”

I can’t believe I just blurted that out. I have no idea why I did, but it feels like the best option. Definitely didn’t want to drag her all the way to the galleria.

She holds her mouth agate slightly, “You want to go shopping?”

Again I shrug, “Why not? I replace it relaxing at times.”

The girl ponders for a moment, then flicks her hand out, “Sure. When?”

Now it is my turn to think. I smile, “Thursday maybe?”

She taps her arm, “Sounds good to me.”

I smile, “Awesome.”

“Diana?”

The two of us then turn to see a woman walking towards us. She too has brown hair but is held back. Her eyes are hazel, like the girl’s right eye. She is nearly as tall as Rachel and about the same age (using the term loosely here). Her skin, while slightly tanned, looked paler than anything.

Diana nods to her, “Hello Mother.”

The woman smiles to her daughter and then to me, “So you must be the young girl you told me about last night.”

I quickly bow my head to her, “I’m Aria miss.”

Her smile broadens, “Well it is a pleasure to meet you young lady. As you heard, I am Diana’s mother. My name is Selene Elliston.”

I pull my arms back around my waist, “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

She then tilts her head, “You do seem to be prettier than my darling girl described.”

I eye Diana, who shrugs. “Thank you ma’am. She told me that you were here with her family.”

The woman smiles, “Yes. Her father is here on business and we decided to tag along.”

“She and I are heading to the mall next week.”

The woman claps her hands together, “Splendid,” leaning in closer, “I do hope the two of you become the best of friends.”

I don’t show it, but something about this woman gives me an “off” vibe. It’s not fully there, but there is definitely something. That or I was being a complete paranoid idiot again. I couldn’t sense anything else from Diana, she seemed normal. But hey, I do like making friends and this was an opportunity to have one close by.

I give her a smile, “I hope so too.”

Mrs. Elliston’s eyes then pans around the park, almost surveying it. “And what of you dear? What brings you to Dallas?”

I hold my arm, “Sort of had a family reunion. Today’s actually the last day and everyone is heading home.”

She adjusts her purse as the winds blows against her long skirt. The woman eyes me again, this time with a more appraising gaze. I slink back slightly, not sure how to gauge this.

She then smiles, “Well you appear to be a lovely young woman. I do hope to see you again soon my dear.”

I feel a strange pressure coming from her and then make a passing glance at Diana, who for a bare briefest of a moment, grimaces. I turn back to the woman, giving her a smile, “I do as well ma’am.”

She bows her head and then turns, tapping on her daughter’s shoulder, “Your father is waiting on us dear.”

The girl clenches her bag, “Yes Mother,” panning to me, “I’ll see you next week. Text me anytime.”

I stash my phone away, “You got it.” The girl then turns as she and her mother head off into the parking lot.

I stand there for a moment trying to figure out who they were. But when nothing pops up, I turn and head back to my friends.

Jenn looks up to me as I retake my seat, “So was that the girl from last night?”

I lay my head onto my hand, still staring up at the parking lot, “Yeah, along with her mother.”

She leans in closer, “So…new friend huh?”

I didn’t move, “Possibly. But…time will tell,” now looking to her.

She pulls me in close, “Just don’t forget who your best friend is all right?”

I giggle, laying my head against her, “Never.”

The girl then ruffles my hair, “Good,” she then rolls her eyes, “completely forgot to show you what I told you about back in December.”

I smirk, couldn’t blame her. We’d been so busy that I doubt we ever really had the chance to do much of anything else.

I mockingly start to tickle her chin, “Pretty kitty.”

She swats my hand away, “Don’t do that you silly foxgirl.” We both then burst into laughter.

Alexis leaned over the table, “Hey so I definitely was thinking about us all coming to see you before the end of summer. Are you sure your mom would be okay with us there?”

I lean in tighter to Jenn, “Without a doubt. Jenn came over and we had a good time. So I don’t see why having everyone there would be a problem. Just be sure to bring a bathing suit. The gossip will most definitely want to swim with y’all.”

She tilts her head and then grins, “This means we get to see you as a mermaid huh?”

I chuckle, peering up at them both, “Yep. Plus I think we could have a rematch if you wish.”

Alexis leans over and flicks my nose, “I lost fair and square hun. So I’ll pass. Now you and Jenn, most certainly will have it”

The blonde and I gaze at each other and grinned. We each wanted to redeem the outcome from the previous year.

“Aria. Jennifer. Alexis.”

The three of us look up to see our families walking towards us.

Alexis turns and sighs, “Guess it’s time for us to leave.”

I groan, “And with it we scatter yet again.”

Jenn holds me tighter, almost like a child, “But I don’t wanna let you go. Not ever.”

We all laugh as we rose from the table and head over to our families. This is the part we all dreaded, us separating again. But we each knew that it wasn’t forever. It also isn’t like we couldn’t talk to each other ever again.

Jenn snaps her fingers, “Hey, if we all went to the same college, we could live in same dorm as each other.”

Alexis bops her on the head, “Are you crazy? You want to have a bunch of magically trained teenagers, with one possessing the most severe case of paranoia ever, living in the same dorm with hundreds of normal people?” winking at me.

I glare up at her, “I do not have a severe case of paranoia. I’m a scenarialist, a damn proud one.”

She laughs, ruffling my hair, “Same thing hun.” I groan, which only made her laugh again.

We each went to our families with Rachel pulling me into a hug. “Ready to go home my love?”

I sigh, resting my head into her chest, “Not really but yeah.”

She then lifts my head, “I saw you talking to a young girl a few minutes ago. Who was she?”

We all then turn and head towards the parking lot, “A new friend. I think. We’re gonna meet up at Lakeline Mall next week. If that’s okay with you that is.”

She then holds me close as walked up the hill, “I do not foresee a problem my love. However, you will go while under guard.”

I roll my eyes, “Please nothing too obvious.”

She chuckles, “Of course not. You will hardly know they are there.”

I raise an eyebrow, “Fenris I get, with him either in my shadow or walking with me. But what else are you suggesting?”

She taps my nose, “That is for me to know and you to never replace out.” I grumble, rolling my eyes.

My mother then frowns slightly, “Now, are you all right with returning to Lakeline? It has been nearly a year and a half since you were last there.”

I close my eyes for a moment, taking a breath, “Yeah, I’ll be fine. It’s not like I have any bad feelings towards the area. It’s just not home anymore. But now that you mention it, I am curious to see if it’s changed much.”

Rachel looks to me, grasping my hand tightly, “I know sweetheart. All I ever wish is for you to be safe and happy.”

I hold hers equally as tight, “I know.”

We finally reach the parking lot and all of our cars were waiting for us. Alexis, Jenn, and I turn and hug each other one last time. We all stand there for a moment, not wanting to let go. But it did with Jenn heading to her car and Alexis to hers.

Mrs. Bigsby then steps to me and wraps her arms around me, holding me close. “You stay safe sweetie. We can’t wait to have back with us next month.”

I cling tightly to her, “Me either.”

She gives me once last squeeze before her husband places his hand onto my shoulder. I gaze up at the man, smiling. “I do hope that one day you will bring that young man to meet us.”

I blush, looking away slightly, “Miriam is gonna beat you to him first.”

He chuckles, shaking his head, “Honestly that woman,” his hand pats my shoulder, “you take care.”

I bob my head, “Yes sir.”

Jenn’s dad then looks to my knights, “Watch over her please.”

They bow their heads, “We shall good sir."

He took a breath and turns to my mother, “Until next time Rachel.”

She smiles, “Take care Richard.” He then turns and heads for his car.

Miss Anabelle then pulls me into an embrace, we really hadn’t spoken much since the tournament, but it’s still nice to be with her. My fingers grip her top, poking my head up.

The woman smiles, stroking my hair, “Promise to take care and continue being good girl for your mother?” I giggle, bobbing my head against her chest.

She chuckles, “Good. I hope to come visit you and your mother soon. But there is that little issue you and I spoke of that must be taken care of first,” winking her eye.

I grin, “Can’t wait to see you again. I know she’ll go ballistic.”

The woman squeezed me tightly one more time before kissing my forehead. She then slowly releases me and trots off.

A few moments later the lot was empty, leaving only us. The park is eerily quiet, with only the swaying of trees making any sound. I always hated being the last to leave.

The cold nose of my bonded as he brushes up against my hand, breaking my stupor. I smirk, stroking his fur, seeing in the corner of my eye as Rachel slips into the car. I look over to see my knights standing by door.

“We should leave Your Highness,” says Orga.

I take a long deep breath before finally turning and getting inside. Fenris of course takes his spot on the floor followed by my knights. I curl up into my seat, feeling the car slowly pull away from the park.

I peer out the window, thinking of the coming week. I made a new friend and had planned to hang out with her. So despite feeling separated from my friends, I still had something to look forward to. I also had plans for the summer, plans I hoped would come to fruition.