Griffa watched Ansel walk away towards the town center. She loved him so much. Their relationship was so complicated and strange now, but she knew she loved him completely. She turned to the door and took deep breaths, preparing herself for what lay ahead.

Issa was dead. Griffa could scarcely believe it. Issa, who had quickly become a good friend of Griffa was gone. Issa was everything that was good. She came to Abscon with no magic. She helped them in every way she could. Issa had saved Griffa’s life with her blood, and now, she was gone. Griffa felt a fresh wave of tears threatened to hit her, but she held them back. She needed to be strong for Max.

Poor Max, how would he go on? Griffa wondered what she would do if she lost Ansel or even Talon. Could she keep going? She wasn’t sure, but Griffa needed Max to go on. She needed Max close to her. She depended on his strength and his wisdom. She loved Max in a way she didn’t love anyone else. They were connected by magic and by blood. She could not do what she needed to do for the kingdom without him.

Griffa opened the door and walked in. Talon was waiting for her in the entry hall.

“Are you okay?” he asked as she hung up her soaking wet cloak.

Griffa pushed her wet hair out of her face. “Yes, I’m just tired, like you must be. Ansel went to the temple to see about preparing Issa for her send off. Where is Max?”

“He took Issa’s body to the music room. He said he wants to be alone for a little while.”

Griffa nodded. “I will go see him in a bit. I will need to explain to him what is going to happen. He has never lost anyone in Abscon. Let me go see about something for your face.”

Griffa turned to go to her cellar, and Talon followed her. They both entered the cellar, and Talon sat on a low stool by the fireplace. Griffa searched her shelves until she found what she needed. She moved her other stool in front of Talon and sat down. She touched his face lightly to move it where she could apply the salve she had. Talon closed his eyes as Griffa treated his cut.

He sighed and opened his eyes looking at Griffa. “That’s much better, thank you.”

“I hope it doesn’t scar,” said Griffa leaning back and putting her salve on a nearby table.

“If it does, it’s no bother,” answered Talon. He looked at Griffa like he wanted to say something.

“What?” asked Griffa.

“I want to apologize for tonight, for what happened in Clarton. I didn’t mean to put you in that position.”

Griffa smiled slightly at Talon. She knew what he was talking about. “You don’t need to apologize. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“I feel like I did,” said Talon looking down. “I thought I had put away my feelings for you. I knew I loved you, but I convinced myself it was only in an old friends’ kind of way. I should have known better. I know you love Ansel, and I know he loves you. You need each other. I have no plans to disrupt what you have with him. I know I couldn’t even if I did.

“I thought we were going to die out there. All I could think of was how much I care for you. I only thought about how much I love you. If I was going to die, I wanted you to know it somehow. I can’t fool myself anymore. I do love you, Griffa. I have for a long time.”

Griffa thought about what to say. When Talon grabbed her in the battle, when he put his forehead on hers, there was a moment she wanted to kiss him. If he had kissed her, she would not have resisted. She would never choose him over Ansel, but that did not mean she didn’t love Talon.

“I understand, Talon, I do. I love you, too. I cannot love you in the way you may want as my heart is already thoroughly engaged, but the love I feel for you is very real and it is strong. If we were going to die tonight, I would want you to know how much I care for you. You are so important to me. I can’t imagine my life without you.”

Talon looked up at Griffa. He took her hand and held it. “I can’t stop loving you. I don’t want to stop, but I will never do anything to hurt you. If you want me to go, I will.”

“No,” said Griffa forcefully. “I don’t want you to go. I need you by my side. I made you the second chair of my Ring for a reason. You are the dearest friend I have ever had. You have pushed me to be who I needed to be in ways no one else has.

“I have gotten so used to you being around, I don’t know what I would do without you. I don’t ever want to be the cause of your pain. If you need to leave, I understand, but I will hate it.”

“I don’t want to leave. I’m not sure I could if I tried, so I don’t know why I offered,” said Talon smiling. “The only thing that would truly pain me, is to be sent away from you.” He stood up and hauled Griffa up with him, bringing her into his arms. She wrapped her arms around him and rested her head on his chest. Talon kissed her forehead and held her.

“Griffa,” Talon whispered as he held her even tighter. Griffa gave a small sigh, feeling a moment of guilt for how right it felt to be held by Talon. They held each other in silence for several moments.

“How will Max ever get through this,” she asked sadly.

“I don’t know,” said Talon not letting her go. “I can’t imagine losing someone I love as much as he loved Issa.”

“She was so good, Talon. She didn’t deserve to die.” Griffa started crying again.

“I know, dearest. I know,” said Talon as he leaned downed and kissed her head. “It’s not fair. It isn’t, but we will go on. We will do everything we can to make things right again for Issa and others who have been hurt or killed by the evil in this world.”

Griffa stepped back slightly and wiped the tears from her eyes. “How is Kedan?”

“He is in the parlor resting.”

“I owe him my life,” said Griffa. “He could have died jumping in front of me like that.”

“He knows. He knew at the time, but he did it anyway. It seems you inspire much devotion, my queen,” said Talon with a small smile.

They walked up the stairs together to find Maybell sitting at the kitchen table crying. Griffa stopped to comfort her.

“That poor girl,” said Maybell sadly.

“Yes, it is awful,” said Griffa. “Where is Nora?”

“She went to Max. She hasn’t come back.”

Griffa nodded. She kissed Maybelle’s cheek and walked on to the parlor with Talon to find Kedan relaxing on the sofa drinking a glass of wine. Griffa sat down next to him as Talon sat in a nearby chair.

Kedan smiled slightly at Griffa. “You are alright, aren’t you?”

“Physically, yes, thanks to you. I want you to know how much I appreciate what you did. I really don’t want you to do it again, but I know I owe my life to you.”

“I would do it again and again, Griffa. I owe you so much. The kingdom needs you and I find that I don’t want to live in Regventus unless you are on the throne. I’ve grown rather attached to you.”

“I am very fond of you, Kedan, so you will need to not throw yourself in front of dangerous curses very often,” said Griffa. She leaned up and kissed Kedan on his cheek before standing up.

“I should go check on Max. He needs to know what is going to happen.”

“Would you like me to come with you?” asked Talon.

“No, I should talk to him alone. If you both want to go clean up and go to bed, I understand.”

“I will stay here and wait for you,” said Talon as Kedan handed him a glass of wine.

“I will do the same,” said Kedan.

Griffa walked to the door of the music room and knocked quietly. The door was answered by a teary-eyed Nora. She reached out and hugged Griffa.

“I am glad you are safe, Griffa,” said Nora quietly.

“Thank you,” said Griffa as Nora let her go. “How is Max?”

“He won’t say much. He only sits by her and stares. Will you speak with him?”

“Yes,” said Griffa.

“I will go help Maybell get you all something to eat and maybe some water for baths.”

Griffa took Nora’s hand and squeezed. Nora left the room, shutting the door behind her. Griffa quietly walked over to Max. He had moved a small chair by the sofa where Issa’s body lay. Griffa picked up another small chair and moved it over to sit by Max.

“Max,” said Griffa softly. “I know there is nothing I could say that would be helpful, but I am here for you. I love you, and I am here for you.”

Max nodded, reaching out his hand towards Griffa. Griffa took it and felt their magic swirl together. Max closed his eyes and gripped her hand. She could feel his despair and grief. She could feel his hopelessness.

“You may not believe this, Max, but I know a little of how you feel, “said Griffa not letting go of Max’s hand. “I know it’s not the same, but when I lost my father, I felt the things you are feeling. It was awful, sometimes I still feel that way when I think of him.”

Max nodded as tears leaked out of his eyes.

Griffa looked at Issa laying on the couch. She was such a lovely young woman. Griffa imagined she would have become even more beautiful as she grew into herself. Griffa reached out with her free hand and brushed some of Issa’s blonde hair away from her face.

“I loved her,” said Griffa sadly. “She was so kind, funny, and wonderful. Everything she did was for someone else. I don’t know if I have ever met anyone as perfectly good as she was.”

Griffa felt tears fall from her eyes. They ran down her cheeks, but she did not wipe them away.

“What happened was wrong. She should never had died tonight.”

“I know,” whispered Max. “It’s all my fault. I never should have let her go to Clarton.” Max released Griffa’s hand.

“No,” said Griffa. “This is not your fault. If it’s anyone here’s fault, its mine. I am the one that soldier was trying to kill. If Talon had not grabbed me, I would have died, and Issa would still be here. You are not to blame, Max.”

Max looked at Griffa. “I don’t blame you, Griffa.”

“Then don’t blame yourself either. You know who is to blame. We have plenty of experience with the evil that did this. We have to stop it. We have to stop it for Issa.”

Max turned towards Griffa. “What if I can’t go on? What if I can’t do it anymore?”

Griffa leaned forward towards Max. She put her hands on his. “You can. You have to go on. You will mourn Issa, we all will. You will grieve for her your whole life, but you will go on. You will learn to live with it, and one day you will remember her and smile. You can never give up because I need you, Max. You know I do.” Griffa’s tears flowed freely. “Please say you will try, Max. You won’t do it alone.”

Max looked at Griffa, and shook his head as his tears fell. Griffa got off of her chair, and kneeled beside him. She opened her arms, and he fell into them. She held him as he cried. He gripped her tight and cried. After a while, his cries stopped, but he did not let go of Griffa.

“I won’t give up, Griffa. I will go on for her and for you.”

Griffa kissed the top of his head. “Thank you, Max. I love you. I will be here for you through all of this.”

Max nodded and leaned back as Griffa let him go. They sat on the floor and looked at each other.

“Ansel went to the temple to talk to the clerics. They will come get Issa’s body tonight to prepare her for her send off.”

Max looked at Griffa with confused eyes. “What does that mean?”

“Our lives do not end in death. Our gods did not create us to live just in this kingdom. When we die, we go on a new journey. Issa has started a new adventure. The clerics will take her body, and they will prepare her for her journey. We will have her send off in a couple of days, and we will release her to the magic around us. We will call on those who have already left for their own adventures to travel with her. I will ask my father and mother to come for her if that is alright with you. We can ask for Issa’s mother and Danin as well.”

Max nodded.

“It will not be easy, Max. I will not lie to you. Hopefully, you will have a long life here in Regventus. You will miss her terribly. Goodbyes are not easy, but one day I believe you will see her again. When you go on your next adventure, she will come for you. I don’t say that just to comfort you. I say it because I believe it.”

Griffa stood up and offered Max her hand. He took it, and she pulled him up. She hugged him one more time.

“Would you like to be alone with her until the clerics come?”

“Yes, please,” answered Max.

Griffa kissed him on the forehead and turned to leave. Max grabbed her hand.

“I love you, too, Griffa. Thank you.”

Griffa squeezed his hand and walked out of the room. She walked into the parlor to find Kedan and Talon on the sofa. Griffa kneeled down and took off her wet boots, placing them by the fireplace near to where Talon and Kedan had placed their own boots. She looked at Talon and Kedan to see they were eating sandwiches from a tray in front of them. Talon looked at Griffa as she turned from the fireplace. He patted the space on the sofa between himself and Kedan. Griffa walked over and sat down.

Talon handed her a glass of wine. “You should drink and eat something.”

Griffa took a sip of wine. “I don’t know if I could eat anything right now.”

“You should at least try. You haven’t had anything for a while,” said Kedan as he handed her a sandwich.

Griffa took the sandwich and bit into it. She wasn’t hungry, but it felt good to do something normal. She finished her sandwich and took a sip of wine. She placed her glass on the table in front of her.

“Well, we are a mess,” she said. “We should probably go take baths.”

Talon turned to her. “I thought we would wait here until Ansel came back. I know you don’t like being alone.”

Griffa sighed. She really didn’t want to be alone, but she was filthy and still wet. She knew Talon and Kedan must be exhausted. She didn’t want to make them wait on her.

“I will be alright,” said Griffa. “I know you both must be exhausted. “I’m sure Ansel won’t be much longer.”

Talon put his arm around Griffa. She leaned into him and pulled her feet up underneath herself.

“We can wait a while longer,” said Talon. “I’m quite comfortable where I am.”

“I don’t know if I will get off this sofa for a week,” said Kedan. “I don’t think I could make it up to my room tonight at all.”

Talon pulled his arm down slightly so Griffa was laying on his chest. “Rest for a bit, Griffa. When Ansel gets here, we will all find a way to go to bed.”

Griffa snuggled into the warmth of Talon, as he moved his arm down to wrap around her waist. Her eyes felt very heavy.

“You both know you are wonderful, don’t you?” asked Griffa sleepily.

“We know it,” said Talon quietly. “But it’s nice to hear you say it.”

Griffa smiled as she fell asleep. She woke up later in Ansel’s arms. He was carrying her up the stairs. She blinked and looked up at him.

“This is becoming too common of an occurrence,” said Griffa.

“I don’t mind it,” said Ansel smiling down at her. “I never mind it when you are in my arms.”

“Did the clerics come?”

“Yes,” said Ansel as they reached the top of the stairs. “They have taken Issa to the temple.”

“How is Max?”

“He didn’t say much. He went to his room. He wanted to be alone.”

Ansel waved his hand slightly and the door to their room opened. He walked over and sat Griffa down on the bed.

“Would you like to take a bath? There is water you could easily heat up.”

“Yes,” answered Griffa. “What about you? Don’t you want to clean up?”

“I will go to my old room and clean up quickly while you bathe,” said Ansel

Griffa nodded as she started taking off her dress.

“Do you need anything before I go,” asked Ansel watching her.

“No, go take care of yourself and come back quickly,” replied Griffa.

Ansel hesitated for a moment and then left the room, closing the door behind him. Griffa quickly undressed and went to the bath. She did a quick charm to heat the water and then entered the tub. She sighed as she sat down in the warm water. Her body was very sore. She cleaned herself, plunging her head under the water to wash her hair. She closed her eyes and rested for a moment.

Everything that had happened that evening, felt like a bad dream. She knew it was very real, but she wished it wasn’t. She couldn’t believe Issa was really gone. Griffa thought about the fear she felt when she, Talon, and Kedan were surrounded by Aurumist soldiers. No matter how many they took down, more seem to come. She thought about the moment with Talon in the wind tunnel, when she was sure they were going to die. She remembered watching Kedan fly in front of her. She thought of the hope she felt when she saw Ansel run towards her.

She felt his presence when he entered the room. She turned her head to see him walk over to her. He knelled down next to her and touched her cheek.

“Are you alright, Griffa,” Ansel whispered.

“Yes,” she breathed. “I was about to get out.”

Ansel walked over and grabbed a towel as Griffa pushed herself up out of the tub. He wrapped her in the towel as she stepped out. He kissed her on her neck as he dried her off. He pulled down her towel to look at her back.

“What?” she asked looking back at him.

“Hold still one moment,” he said as he gently placed his hand on her back. She winced as where he touched was very sore.

She felt the warmth of his magic cover her back, and the pain she felt floated away.

Ansel kissed her upper back lightly. “Better?”

“Yes,” she said quietly. “Much better.”

She walked into the bedroom and found a nightgown, slipping it on. Ansel came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, kissing the side of her face.

“I was scared I would lose you tonight,” said Ansel in her ear. “I’m afraid I’m not a very good protector.”

Griffa turned around and looked up at him. “You are an excellent protector. You just serve a very foolish, stubborn queen.”

Ansel bent down and whispered. “I serve a bold queen who cares about others above her own self. I would not want to serve anyone but you, Griffa.” He kissed her hungrily, and held her tight to him. Griffa felt tears fall from her eyes as she kissed him back.

Ansel pulled back, and wiped her tears with his thumbs. “Did I do or say something wrong?”

“No,” said Griffa. “It was perfect. I just love you. I feel like I don’t deserve your devotion and your love, but I do love you so much.”

“We will have to disagree. You deserve so much more than I can give you. It doesn’t matter because I will not give you up now.”

“No, I wouldn’t let you,” said Griffa smiling. She took Ansel’s hands and brought him over to the bed. She sat down, and he sat down beside her. “I feel so guilty. Max has lost the person he loves most in the world, and I get to be here with you.”

“Why would you feel guilty?” asked Ansel. He gripped Griffa’s hands.

“That soldier was trying to kill me. If Talon had not turned me, I would have been hit and not Issa. She died because I moved for a split second.”

“You can’t feel guilty for this. It is not your fault an evil person killed Issa. Do you blame Talon for grabbing you?”

“No,” said Griffa quietly.

“Should I feel guilty because I am glad Talon saw what was coming? Should I feel guilty because if you really pressed me, I would choose you over Issa? I would choose you over everyone.”

Griffa stared at Ansel with tears in her eyes.

“None of us are to blame for Issa’s death. The only one to blame are the evil powers that control Aurumist. I know you know this. Issa would not want you to sit here and feel guilty for living.”

“I know,” said Griffa.

“I do feel terrible for Max. I will miss Issa, but all I can think of right now is how relieved and happy I am you are next to me. Do you know how easily you could have died tonight?” asked Ansel.

Griffa nodded. “I thought I was going to die with Talon and Kedan.”

“Then be relieved for one moment that you are here with me,” said Ansel. He leaned forward and took Griffa’s face in his hands. “Don’t feel guilty. Make a vow to be grateful for every day you have, for every day we have together.”

Griffa nodded as Ansel leaned forward and kissed her. She pulled him closer to her. She wanted to feel safe and loved. She wanted to end this terrible night with Ansel. She wanted to end all of her nights good, or bad with him.

“I love you,” she whispered against his lips. She felt his lips move into a small smile.

“Griffa, will you let me love you,” he asked quietly.

“Yes,” she whispered. “There is nothing I want more.”