Beneath Shadows and Secrets

♔ 𝕱𝔬𝔯𝔱𝔶 ♔

I'm caught up on edited chapters, my dissertation is whopping my arse, and honestly don't remember the last time I had a full meal but the first book is published in 12 days and I finished writing chapter 43 today so I feel like that's a victory? Also I have so much yummy shit planned for book 3 for you guys I started putting together some stuff for the plan the other day😆 and I don't think I have the facilities to keep you waiting for the next chapter after this one so you'll probably be getting a lil Saturday upload.

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♔ 𝔑𝔦𝔯𝔞 ♔

I place Sloan's belongings in the Garden.

Calix advises me of a place best. Where the earth is rich, where the sun shines bright. Where the water floods the ground during rainfall, and where the breeze sings when it weaves through the long grass. He points me to a sun dial, beneath which beautiful flowers bloom. A place where the primordial witch will touch all four of the elements she drew from. I take his suggestion, and the dagger he offers me too.

In the flat stone, I carve the shapes of the symbols that lined Sloan's spine. Four triangles, the first two upright, the next two upside down. The second and third have lines. One horizontal, the other vertical. The marks are shaky and harsh, but even from afar, they are easily distinguishable. On either side of the four symbols, I etch into the stone the witches knot. For here, her memory will always be protected. It will never wane.

I bring forward my claws to tear at the dirt beneath it. It gives easily, leaving me a hole where I bury her things. The envelope of my letter, which holds her writing. A selection of her jewellery, none of them her favourites, but ones I saw her wear, nonetheless. A locket filled with the dried leaves of the Baptista flowers. Those, I bless and hope that the Mother, Maiden and Crone will seek Sloan out in the Demiurge and care for her there as she cared for me here.

My hands are stained with dirt when I have covered them over and patted the soil flat. It looks out of place now, but I know it will not take long until grass shoots sprout and flowers bloom. Then, it will look every bit as beautiful as she was.

I kneel before it for a long while, my hands pressed to the ground, as though it will help me feel her. My eyes close on their own accord, and I mourn her.

"I miss you terribly, Sloan." I whisper into the air. Through it all, Tynan, Libitina, Ryke and Calix remain stood behind me. Their presence, their display of respect, will mean more to me than they will ever know. "I hope you do not berate me for the choices I have made. For the decisions that are yet to come. You may not like what has become of me, but I think this was always the way I was destined to be. Strong, and loyal, and powerful. As you were."

Lowering to the ground, I press my lips against the dirt. I hold them there for a few long seconds before I rise and turn to acknowledge my company. They say nothing, and for that I am grateful, but Libitina offers me a nod of comradery.

We leave, then, our bags already packed for our journey to Cracuria. Sloan's memorial remains behind, but I think she follows me. I would never be able to do what it is I plan to, if she were not with me. My friend.

♔

"You will care for Vasami while I am gone?" I ask Ryke, petting the wyvern on her snout. He seems repulsed by the suggestion, but is kind enough not to voice it.

"I do not think the wyvern needs my care, but I will watch for her health and safety if that is what you ask of me, Nira." I smile at that, leaning my body into the beast. She huffs at the action, but her wing protectively curls around me. Something she can do now, since I have retracted mine.