Chapter 258: Conviction
I spent hours huddled against the alley wall, crying until red tinged the sky. My shoulder shook with sobs long after my tears ran dry, until, at last, I heard a soft rustling down the alley. The noise grew closer, developing into the sound of footsteps, but I was far too absorbed in my anguish to notice–or care.
It was happening again. The Glory Chasers had been the closest thing to family I’d ever experienced. We had traveled together, ate together, and even fought together, yet now they had done the same as everyone I’d ever loved. Even if it had been an inquisitor walking toward me, it wouldn’t have mattered. Even death would be welcome, if it could quiet the raw ache in my heart.
Warm breath tickled my ear as a warm, wet nose pushed against my cheek. For a moment, I was disappointed by the tender touch, but the feeling washed away, replaced by another wave of tears.
"Oh, Fable," I cried, throwing my arms around his neck. "I...I tried so hard, and yet it wasn’t enough. I wasn’t enough. She said to try, to never give up, but how can I when no one can love me? It hurts, Fable, more than I can bear."
Fable whined softly and curled around me, enveloping me in his long, silky pelt. I buried my face in his fur, taking in the familiar warmth and scent. He had returned to his smaller size, a mere seven feet from nose to tail, but he felt as strong and steady as a mountain. His mana flowed unbidden, crashing into my soul with enough force to make me gasp. The comforting warmth washed through my veins, dispelling some of the darkness and despair that clung to me.
"Thank you," I whispered, nuzzling him with my cheek.
His strength eased the pain in my torn soul. It held a wondrous, soothing power that seemed to knit the cracks together, restoring the damage I had inflicted by burning my own soul. As I had once done to him when he stood on the brink of madness without the ice gate, he now repaid in full. How such a thing was possible never entered my mind; I was just grateful he was there.
Long, dark hours dragged by. Wrapped in Fable’s comforting embrace, I stumbled through sleep, occasionally waking in a fresh bout of sobs and tears. By the time dawn broke, I was feeling better, though the aching anguish in my heart remained bitter and sharp. Feeling my wolf’s gaze, I took a deep breath and opened my eyes, meeting his golden, starry eyes. He stared at me expectantly, going so far as to nudge my chest with a large paw.
"I know," I sighed, yawning. "We’re going to save them, but there’s something I have to take care of first."