Arc 2: Chapter 29: An Immortal’s Fate
Days after our departure from Liutgarde I stood outside the manor, leaning against a tree at the edge of the woods. In my left hand I held the medallion Vicar had given me, running a calloused thumb over its marred surface. On my right hand, my ring sat in its usual place on my forefinger, weighty for something so small.
Emma was inside, taking stock of her life as it were. Brenner wasn’t aware we’d returned, but I knew that wouldn’t last. I wasn’t yet sure what she would do.
But I knew what I needed to do. Best to be done with it.
The sun rose over fields still half covered in snow, though it would melt quickly. The premature winter had retreated, at least for a time. True winter wouldn’t be far off.
Time to get going. I turned and started moving into the forest.
The manor’s front door opened and a figure appeared, rushing towards me. I kept walking, though I didn’t increase my pace or use glamour to vanish. Foolish, but I can be that.
“You’re just going to leave?” Vanya asked as she reached the edge of the woods, breathless.
I stopped, sighed, and turned to her. The woman watched me with a neutral expression, then padded forward into the shadow of the woods to stand just out of arms reach. She adjusted her apron and hair, then folded her hands. She waited for an explanation.
“I didn’t want to make a fuss about it,” I said.
“You at least owe her some words.” Vanya’s eyes were hard. “And me.”
I traced the edge of my lip with a thumb. “Because you kissed me?”