He mouth rose, humouredly. "No . . . nothing so terrible. Suffering, maybe, but only the kind that leads to greater joy in the future."

I furrowed, even as I felt a peace at the words, a thrill almost. "I don't understand."

He looked up to the sky, then to me intently. "If you accept, it will be made clear . . . but I can promise you little despite the assurance that whatever sacrifice you make will be returned in full."

My heart dropped. I believed him, I did, and I didn't mind not knowing, but . . .

"What about the people here?" I asked.

"We will fight with them," he said, nodding.

From the fear that shook my being now, I could feel nothing but assurance at that. My lips pursed gently.

"Will I see them again?" The expression I gave him was hopeful, pleading . . . but his returning gaze was clear.

No.

My eyes closed. This was the part I couldn't bear . . . now that I'd finally found where I belonged, found people I cared about, I had to- My eyes lulled. "They'll lose if I don't . . ."

He waited a moment, then nodded.

I think that, were it just me, I would have said no . . . but here in this place I felt a strength that wasn't my own, and I knew what had to be done.

"Can I say goodbye first?"

His expression broke, to something between admiration and sympathy, then his eyes flicked firmly past me, and up again, checking.

"Hurry."

That was the last thing I heard. The last of the soft bells, or calming hum. Everything disappeared in harsh, loud, flash. Till the wind of the mountain was rushing past me once more.

Daunting swelled in my chest and a gasp escaped me. I didn't feel so brave anymore. I didn't feel the peace or clarity of the radiant creature.

My knees trembled, threatening to give out and sink to the stone . . . but then Jaden would know and- My hand hit the podium, eyes closing.

Jaden.

A swell in my chest, I'd never see him again.

I lifted the other hand to my heart, head shaking.

But if I don't go . . . everyone will die.

My body steadied. That was it. There wasn't another option for me. If I didn't do the right thing now, how would I live with myself when people started hurting?

I opened my eyes and straightened up bravely, taking a strong, though emotional, breath. Then I turned around and jumped off the rock.

Everything was the same. Thunder was rumbling, Jaden was walking off trying to find Tanis, and Ikovos was lying unconscious on the ground. I went to him first, dropping quickly and putting a hand on his head. Then I bent over and kissed him on the cheek. "Bye, Ikovos."

I straightened up then, and hardened myself for the worst part.

Jaden turned around before I even got close, lightening when he saw me.

"Oh, good, you found it," he said. He was pointing to Tanis on my shoulder with a smirk, then he nodded past me. "If you get the bags, I'll carry Vos down. We can find a shelter till the storm passes then do the-"

I stopped him with a kiss on his mouth, leaning up on my tippy-toes to reach. He was definitely surprised at first, but easily caught on and compensated.

Eventually he jerked his head back with a narrowed expression. "I thought we had to wait till Ikovos was conscious."

His tone was playful. I disappeared into in for a moment, smiling and fingering the pieces of hair falling into his face. "You made it too hard for me to resist." My heart ached, and I'm sure my eyes were watering, but to him they may have passed off as happy tears.

I had to purse my lips to keep my face straight, and then I dropped my hand to his chest, placing the other one over it.

He lifted one brow at me, curious.

"Okay," I started, in a light voice to hide the emotion. "You get Ikovos and I'll go get the bags."

He nodded, but he wasn't moving any. I would have to, he always made it harder on me . . .

Why did this have to happen now? How was I going to go on if I could never see him again?

His heart beat solidly beneath my palms.

I don't care what the Gaeln said, there would be no living for me once he was gone . . . It just didn't change what I had to do.

My eyes lifted and I smiled reassuringly at him again. Then I let go, slowly, but I did, let go of him completely.

I'd made it two steps before a sob broke out of me. Only one, but it was enough. I cursed myself then glanced back. He had just a hint of questioning in his expression. My brow faltered and he darkened even further. I turned ahead, pace quickening.

"Eve?" he asked, uncertain.

I clenched my teeth, pulse beating wildly, stupid, stupid, stupid,, then broke into a run.

"Eve, what are you doing?" His voice was severe, though I doubt he had a clue to the extent of things.

I raced, cold air numbing my lungs, then leapt onto the platform. I had almost reached the book when he swung me back, pulling my hand.

"What're you doing?" he asked, head shaking. The way he said it made it seem like a problem he would easily set me straight on. Tears were filling my eyes already.

"Don't do this," I groaned, tears filling my eyes already. My head shook.

He darkened further.

"Eve, what are you talking about?" He lifted his hand up to my face as he said it, trying to comfort me somehow I think. He was only making it worse.

I moaned, my head falling back.

"Is this about what Sylvanus said? About the army?"

"It doesn't matter anymore," I said. Another sob broke through.

He searched my face, pulling my head down.

"What do you mean it doesn't matter? I know that you're-" He stopped suddenly, eyes shifting behind me. "Why is that book up there? . . ."

His tone was haunting. His eyes moved to me and I just stared back at him, taking one slow step back. He re-intensified then, moving up and grabbing my shoulders.

"Tell me what you did. Eve, tell me."

The tears spilled down my eyes. There was a long paus0e in which I realized that I didn't have the will to resist his questioning. I spoke softly.

"I talked to the Gaeln." I tried to smile. His face was pained. "They're going to go with you, they're going to help fight the Meoden."

He didn't lighten at all. He just leaned in and looked down at me. I didn't need him to speak for me to tell what he was asking: Then what's wrong?

"I just . . ." my head dropped. "I'm just not going with."

He darkened furiously, grip tightening on my shoulders.

"Like hell you're not. I don't care what you told them. We're going back, now." He started to pull me harder. My breath broke and I struggled against his grip.

"Why are you doing this?! This is what we came for! This is what you need!"

He looked back at me, pausing in his steps. "No, this is what I need." He moved forward, kissed me, then wrapped me in his arms tightly.

I just broke into more sobs, head buried into his chest.

"You're trusting in something you know nothing about, we can fight them without the Gaeln's help."

My crying continued. I wanted to go along with what he was saying, but I knew in my heart it wasn't true. Inescapable resolve was filling me, and I knew if I was going, I had to make it sooner rather than later. Fiercely, I reared my head back to eye him.

"All the boys will die, Jaden. You'll die. Is that what you want?" I pushed away; his face was strained. "I won't let that happen when I could stop it."

He swallowed, eyes widening, as if he could see he was losing me.

"I'm not letting you leave," he forced out.

My brow dropped in grief. Then my head shook slowing, feet moving backwards.

He groaned, face panicking.

Tears started to spill over again.

He took my face in his hands as if that way he could control me. "No."

I placed a hand on his cheek and looked up at him, taking in the shape of his features, his enraged expression, fierce eyes, and firmly pressed lips. My breath escaped me. I couldn't believe how lucky I was, even if I was losing him.

"I love you, Jaden." I whispered. Then I slid my arm behind me and placed it on the silver book.

The next thing I saw was black. . . .

Epilogue.

ONE month later . . .

"So that's the last of them then," said the plump, sullen-faced man. He was sitting on a velvet cushioned couch in a small, well-decorated room.

"Besides the smaller groups. But they pose no real threat," answered Thoran, the taller man with course features that sat beside him on the sofa. A yellow fire warmed the space around them.

Cornelius pursed his lips. "I suppose this is the best shape we've been in for years."

He gave the other man a weak smile.

Thoran sighed. "Try not to sound too excited, my friend." His voice was thick with sarcasm.

They met eyes, falling only a moment before a knock pounded on the door.

Thoran slid his gaze over. "Come in."

A young man with light hair walked in. Face worn, expression blank. He seemed to hesitate before wrapping around the corner to the larger part of the room, eyes fixed to something in the hall. Then he sighed and looked to the older men.

"Just got back from the east border, it was clear - nothing but stragglers." He declared it curtly.

The taller man on the couch nodded. Cornelius grinned warmly at him.

"Thank you, Ikovos . . . you really didn't need to go on again that time, but I'm sure your presence made all the difference."

The boy stared for a moment, then simply nodded once.

The room was awkward, silent. Thoran broke it. "Go get some rest, Ikovos. Make sure Jaden does too."

"Can't," he said, shaking his head. "We already told Tirk and Luther we'd take their shifts. I'll check in tomorrow when we get back, though." He turned toward the door without pause.

Cornelius stopped him. "Ikovos, ah . . . Sophie had an idea of putting on a sort of celebratory feast in the cafeteria." He smiled. "Something to assure the boys all is well. I thought you could-"

The boy's arms flinched, eyes hitting Cornelius darkly. The stout man sobered and Ikovos started to walk off again.

"How long do you plan on staying like this, Ikovos . . . ?" asked Thoran. His volume increased. "Jaden, get in here."

There was a pause, then a dark-haired boy walked stiffly into the room. His face was hard and somewhat beaten, obviously as fatigued as Ikovos. His eyes were distant, but they hit Thoran duly.