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I nod, understanding the sad logic "What of you? How are you doing?" I ask

"It has been difficult, balancing the demands of ith the need to rebuild and provide for my people"

I place ood ht choices"

He looks down at uarded expression on his face "You would not think so if you knew all"

"I know ood at heart Even good peopleat me "Arianna, what do you speak of?"

"I…" There’s so much I can’t say, so I will hi both of my hands in his "I didn’t knoho you were until I woke having tasted your blood Please believe , I had to know: had he lied to me?

But I couldn’t ask The contract wouldn’t allow it Even now, I feel us skirting too close to the topic I smile and squeeze his hands "Thank you That’s all I need to know"

"So we are… good?" he asks uncertainly

"Yes We are good"

Asher callsHe’s ready to leave

Fen caresses my cheek "Go I will see you soon" He kisses ently It’s our first kiss since the cave, and I hold onto him, hold onto the moment where it’s just him and me and no one else ainst mine as I travel with Asher past the wall, to the ain

We ht to the hospital in Asher’s li the fresh cool air Tall n to me now But Portland is less Sky Castle,memories

Asher looks at et that fabulous dragon necklace?"

I look down and frown Yami is wrapped around my throat like a collar, but he doesn’t look real He looks like jewelry "It’s Yami," I say

"Ah, of course," says Asher "Spirits are weaker away fro for if he’s drea "See you soon, buddy," I whisper

In reet Pete in the waiting roo under his eyes I hug him and introduce hiery and recovering I can’t see her yet But she’s strong and doing well" I can tell he’s nervous, but also happy she h

"I’m sorry I couldn’t be here earlier," I say

"You’re here now," he says, slances at my neck "Nice necklace I would almost swear it’s--"

A doctor enters the room "She’s awake and would like to see you Is there an Arianna here?"

I step forward "I’m Ari"