The Lost Mind (Balefire part 2)

Tearful Goodbye

Valerie breathed the fresh morning air of Havenfield. She knew what she had to do, but she didn't know how the others would react.
Prentice placed a hand on her shoulder. "They're all here."

She turned and nodded, hugging her father. It was good to have him back.
————
Valerie stood before a room full of her friends and family. She couldn't believe how many people there were, how many people cared about her, how many people she would die for.

She took a deep breath. "First of all, I want to apologize to all of you for what happened." She met Dex's gaze. She was so glad he was okay. "In light of recent events, I've decided that... I can't stay in the Lost Cities anymore."

Everyone started to talk all at once, but Mr. Forkle quieted them.

She nodded her thanks. "I couldn't live with myself if I hurt one of you and I'm not willing to risk anything like this happening again."

"And what if we are?" Tam stepped forward.

"I'm sorry." She couldn't look him in the eye. "It's not your decision to make." She looked at Wylie. "I asked you all here to say goodbye."

Everyone was talking at once and it took a while for them to calm down.

"You won't change my mind." Valerie held. "I have to do this."

Mr Forkle nodded stepping forward and wrapping her in a tight hug. "You've been one of our most loyal and dedicated members. Good luck." He pulled away.

Biana and Dex double-teamed her with a strangle hug, refusing to release until Valerie had to ask them to let go.

Fitz gave her a quick hug and moved on.

Lihn squeezed her tightly, struggling to hold back tears.

Next came Sophie, already crying. She threw her arms around Valerie. "Wherever you go, you're still my sister."

Valerie returned the hug, blinking back her tears.

Wylie stood before her hesitantly as if he thought that not hugging her would keep her from leaving. Finally, he broke and wrapped her in a warm embrace. "Thank you." He didn't say anything else, but he didn't have to. There were no words for all the thing he wanted to express. She knew the feeling.

Tears streamed down her cheeks as her brother stepped aside and let Prentice through.

He held her in a hug so warm and safe that she didn't want it to end. "You were always stronger than them."

Valerie pulled back. "Wait! You knew?"

He nodded.

"Then," she hung her head, her mind reeling. "Why did you keep me?"

He lifted her face to look at his. "Because, no matter where you come from, you are my daughter." He brushed a stray hair behind her ear. "I learned all I could about Project Balefire, because I knew someday I'd have to tell you. I figured you want to know everything," he looked over his shoulder at Aramis and Grady, "like who your biological parents were."

Valerie followed his gaze then turned back to her dad. She flung her arms around him again. "Thank you."

Prentice gave her one more squeeze before moving aside to let Grady and Edaline in.

The couple hugged her in unison.

"I'm so proud of you." Grady whispered.

The two stood back and smiled at her.

Valerie wiped the tears off of her cheek.

Aramis approached, awkwardly twisting the end of her braid. "I know that I've had no part in your life and that I have no right to be your mother, but..."

Valerie threw her arms around the woman. "You have every right."

Aramis leaned into the hug.

When they pulled apart, Valerie was full on crying. Her tears froze halfway down her cheek.

Aramis chuckled and used her thumb to wipe the frozen droplets away. "You inherited my tears. I'm sorry."

Valerie giggled. She wished that she'd had a chance to get to know Aramis - to get to know her mother.

When Valerie turned back into the room, only Tam remained, refusing to meet her gaze. She walked over. "Tam?"

He turned his face away. "Why do you have to leave?"

She sighed. "Because I can't risk the Neverseen using me against you again. It would break me."

He still wouldn't look at her.

"I promise. When their gone, nothing will keep me away." She placed a hand on his shoulder.
He finally met her gaze. "I guess I can live with that."

Valerie gave him a sad smile and wrapped him in a hug.

He pulled her close, relishing the embrace.
She pulled away and locked eyes with him. Then, without warning, she kissed him.

Tam quickly recovered from his shock and returned the gesture.

When they pulled apart, everyone was staring at them.

Tam still looked surprised and confused.
She grinned. "Someone had to make the first move."

She pulled out a yellow pathfinder that Alden had been generous enough to give her and held it to the light. She took one last look at her friends and family. "I love you guys."

She examined each of their faces one more time before stepping into the light and glittering away.