"There it is. The Jewel of the West. Llyn" Sophia leaned into the railing as we looked out across the sparkling waves toward the cliff-ringed city of Llyn. "Home sweet home." Her illusory blonde hair rippled in the cool breeze coming from the northwest.

  I leaned on the railing beside her, taking in the view and feeling increasing excitement with every passing moment. Despite the fatigue and aches caused by the long night we'd shared, I couldn't help but feel ready for what lay ahead. We'd experienced so much since we'd left the temple, and the anticipation had been building with each passing day. I was stronger now. More capable. I felt ready.

  Also, the way the sunlight painted the white cliffs of the city made my heart beat faster still. In the past, I'd always pictured Llyn as being a large town or maybe a small city. However, the city in front of us was nothing like that. The place was huge! There were hundreds of small boats and dozens of large ones lined up at what had to be the docks.

  Behind and to either side of the docks were massive white cliffs similar to the ones at Fariview, but, in the middle of the cliffs, the earth was split in half by a gigantic waterfall. Mist rose up from the ground where it landed, and the water sparkled in the Tower's light. Countless buildings lined the docks and ran up the cliffs, and hundreds more were clearly visible on top of the stone walls. There was even a large stone structure jutting out from the western cliff face that looked like it was carved from the stone itself.

  The western cliff was higher than the eastern, and at its highest point stood what looked like a large walled castle. On the far eastern side, huge trees cut into the skyline, suggesting there was some sort of forest at the edge of the city. As I watched the trees sway in the wind, it dawned on me that that had to be where Tristan's grove was. I couldn't believe how tall the trees were. Despite being significantly lower than the castle, they were at least as tall.

  My heart beat faster the longer I looked. Something inside of me was drawn to Llyn. This was where I was supposed to be. I could feel it.

  "Impressive, isn't it?"

  "That's an understatement." Searching my memories, I tried to remember the name of Sophia's home. Arante. That was it. "How far away is Arante from Llyn?"

  She frowned. "It's technically a district of Llyn. This is my home, not that I'm all that happy about being back, all things considered."

  "I had no idea. Why is it called Llyn, then?"

  " In the distant past, Arante was the name of both our family's keep and the surrounding castle town. Llyn was the nearest town and Arante's port. As time went on, both grew until one would be hard pressed to find their seam. However, Llyn was the more well-known of the two due to its status as a port; thus, the name stuck. Eventually, the two grew until they became one and absorbed the nearby towns and villages. Today, Llyn is comprised of Old Llyn, Dockside, Highcliff, Silvertide, Oswald's Fall, Goddess's Tears, Riverwalk, Arante, Easthaven, and the Grove."

  "All that's inside the walls?"

  She shook her head. "Llyn's too big for walls. Arante is walled, but everywhere else is patrolled by guards and adventurers. As such, there's always work to be had."

  That was good to know. "How do you keep invaders out?"

  She looked at me like I was crazy. "We're in the heart of Istaera. There hasn't been an invasion since the fourth era, and that took all of the Dark Lord's children to pull off. Who would attack us today?"

  I didn't really know. "I guess that makes sense."

  "If someone were to attack, they'd be attacking one of the greatest concentrations of adventurers and soldiers in Istaera. Only the High King's lands are safer. We're as safe as one can be."

  I nodded. Another thought came to me. "Aren't you worried about being back, though? About being recognized?"

  She shook her head again. "Not with this." She reached a hand up and pulled at her face. Her appearance flickered as she pulled her mask away from her face, revealing a glimpse of her beautiful face and short purple hair. Then, as if it had never happened, her illusion returned.

  I couldn't help but marvel as I watched. Whoever made Sophia's mask had to have been quite the mage. There was no way to tell that she was hidden behind an illusion. Her hair perfectly fluttered in the wind, and she looked and sounded like a completely different person with it on. I needed to remember to praise Vral again for her discovery when we got to land. "Could a mage see through the disguise?"

  She nodded. "While there are powerful magics that could pierce the illusion, I feel rather confident no one will be looking for a nondescript junior priestess and her senior. I'm more worried about you, to be honest. That Devon woman seems to know too much about your quest."

  My heart skipped a beat. For the first time since I'd seen her in Fairview, she'd fully left my mind. "Yeah, you're not wrong."

  Sophia spoke without a shred of doubt. "I'm not."

  "One could mistake your confidence for arrogance, milady."

  "Arrogance and confidence are often confused for one another, especially when exhibited by a woman. I only speak with certainty when I'm certain."

  "And you're certain now?"

  "I am. As such, I recommend we get to Llyn, find this Elna woman, finish your quest, go to the grove, then leave as soon as it's prudent."

  "It's not a bad plan."

  "You know where she is, correct?"

  I shook my head. "Farvad mentioned that she was in the northwest part of town. The way he talked, all of this sounded easy, but now that I can see Llyn for myself, I'm not so sure."

  Sophia frowned. "The northwest part of town is either Arante or Highcliff. Both will be close to my uncle and his men. Are you sure that's where he said?"

  "As sure as I can be, yes."

  "Well..." She sucked on her teeth and looked up at me. "I guess that's what we'll do, then. I just wish she lived in Dockside. Then it would be an easy task."

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  She seemed worried. "You don't have to come with me. Why don't you stay down in Dockside? Tristan and I can find Elna. You and Vral can figure out our next move and where we should stay." I hadn't said it aloud, but I knew we were going to need a place to hide out. With Devon's warning, it was clear that the cult wasn't in the dark about our movements. However, something about that plan felt wrong to me, but I couldn't place why that was.

  Sophia shook her head. "Vral would never let you go without her. She'd worry herself to death."

  I laughed. "Hardly. She's never worried about anything."

  The noblewoman sighed. "She's not very honest. Not with herself, and certainly not with the people she loves." Something passed behind her eyes. Her face turned somber as she spoke further. "She's far more sensitive than she lets on."

  I couldn't see it. Yeah, sometimes she let a few insecurities show, but that didn't mean the woman was sensitive, did it? "I'll take your word for it."

  She smiled. "Plus, I wouldn't like that. I want to be involved in your quest. It makes me feel like I'm doing the right thing by helping you, however small that help may be. That's important to me, even if I know I could suffer for it. I want to do this with you three."

  I wanted to agree with her, but a torrent of thoughts and feelings rose in me. That nagging feeling about something being wrong with the plan intensified.

  When I didn't respond, her face darkened. "Do you not believe I can help?" For the first time since we'd met, I could see hurt in the woman's eyes over something I'd said, or in this case, not said.

  I shook my head. "It's not that." Ever since we conquered Embermist Keep, something had been gnawing at the back of my mind. I finally realized what it was. "Tristan gave everything she had at Embermist. She wounded her spirit to cast that ritual. And, ever since, she's barely slept. She may not show it, but I know that she's still injured from that ritual she cast, if not physically then spiritually."

  "What are you saying, then?"

  I took a deep breath. I hated to make the request, hated the idea of separating from her, but I had to. "The most important thing you can do for us is to make sure that she gets to her grove. She needs to recover, and there's not a chance in the world that she'll go without someone getting her there."

  Her face softened. "And you're sure that's what's best?"

  "I couldn't be more confident."

  Her eyes searched mine. "Then that's what I'll do. But you need to promise me that you'll call for us if things get risky. I may not be strong like you all, but I can be useful when I need to be, and Tristan will never forgive me if something happens to you."

  "Deal. And if you're afraid you've been found, don't hesitate to find a way to stay safe. I want to help others, but our group comes first. Always."

  "Our group?"

  "You're a member now, if you want to be."

  A smile broke out across her face. "I do."

  "Then it's settled." I held my pinky out to her. "You've got a place with us."

  She cocked her head. "What does the pinky mean?"

  I laughed. "It's a dumb thing we do on Earth. It's called a pinky promise. If we latch pinkies, you know it's serious."

  She took my pinky in hers. "Then I make this pinky promise to you, my steadfast and noble leader. I will be a loyal and dedicated member of this group. I will serve you with honor and courage until the day we are parted."

  I couldn't help but chuckle. So ornate. "That works."

  "What? Did I do it wrong?" She pouted.

  A massive yawn sounded behind us. Looking over my shoulder, I could see Tristan shuffling toward us, her eyes puffy and bloodshot. Her wavy black hair was an absolute mess, strands sticking out in every direction. I chuckled and reached out a hand as she arrived at the railing, pulling her into my side.

  "Good morning." I kissed her forehead.

  "Morning," she mumbled.

  "How'd you sleep?"

  "Bad. Still sleepy." She yawned again and lay her head against my shoulder. "Stay still." When I didn't move, she mumbled, "Good pillow."

  I wrapped my arm around her waist and cradled her head. This could be the last time I'd get to spend time with her for a while. A pang of sadness sprang up in my heart. I realized that we hadn't really been apart for any real length of time since I'd come to this world. We'd been constant companions, friends, and now lovers for nearly two years. I hadn't realized how much of a pillar of my life she'd become. I knew that a part of me would miss her, even if it was only for a few days. I kissed her forehead again, savoring her smell.

  Sophia grinned. "You two are cute."

  Tristan waved a hand, dismissing her words. "Did we make it through the night alright?"

  I looked at Sophia, who nodded. "I'd say so."

  "Alex saved a man's life and once again proved his mettle." Sophia's face was stoic. "You should be proud of your guardian. He's more than earned his keep."

  "No surprise. He's a good one." Tristan patted my chest as she yawned again.

  Soft footsteps sounded behind us. We turned to find Vral ambling toward us, looking like she'd slept in the finest bed in Istaera the night before. She smiled broadly when her eyes found ours, then skittered the final ten paces until she arrived at Tristan's side. "Good morning!" She grinned widely.

  "Why aren't you exhausted?" Tristan grumbled as she rubbed her temples. "It feels like I haven't slept in days."

  "I don't know what's wrong with you. I slept like a baby." She pumped her fist and pointed to the city. "The only thing that could make today better is if we were already on land."

  "Jealous," Tristan murmured.

  "I'm ready to get to town so we can kick some ass, snatch a gnome, and spend time at Tris's grove. Then, it'll be time."

  "For?" Sophia asked.

  "Alex and I have some scores to settle, but we won't be able to do our thing until we're done with that thing. So, I want off this boat so we can do the thing."

  Tristan nodded. "I can't wait to get to the grove. You've never experienced sleep until you've slept in a grove. Everything smells perfect, and it's always comfortable. I love the temple, but there's nothing better than home."

  Sophia and my eyes met. She looked like she wanted to speak, but I shook my head and mouthed the words "not yet." I pointed my eyes at Vral. Tristan would fight tooth and nail if she knew we were leaving her out of the action, and the last thing she would accept was that she needed to rest.

  Understanding my intent, she took a step toward the hold. "I'm going to gather our things. Vral, would you come help me?"

  The goblin cocked an eyebrow. "You not strong enough to carry a couple bags up the ladder?"

  Sophia raised an eyebrow back, challenging the goblin's resolve. Vral buckled, and Sophia made for the hold.

  With a sigh, Vral followed. "Fine. But you're carrying my stuff when we get to town. We gotta toughen you up if you think a stray like you will end up being a member of this party..." The goblin's voice trailed off as she climbed down the ladder.

  Tristan yawned again. "I can't wait to spend time with you at the grove. Even with everything going on, I just feel like it's going to be perfect." Her head rolled to the side and pressed against my shoulder. I felt the weight of her body increase as she put all her weight against me. "And I want Mom and Auntie to meet you and Vral. They'll like you two as much as I do, I know it."

  "Both of us?"

  "Of course." Her head lifted, and her sapphire eyes met mine. "Our roots have all grown together. I can't imagine my life without either of you." She smiled. "You're the two lovely, dumb, funny, amazing idiots that I love."

  Love? "Love?"

  She shook her head. "Did you ever doubt it?"

  I laughed. "Not once." I stroked her cheek. "I love you, too."

  She smiled. "I know."

  I pulled her close. Lifted her chin with my hand, I kissed her lips. "I can't imagine my life without you either. It's just... How..."

  Tristan lifted her hand and pulled my face back to hers. Our lips met again. After a breathless moment, she pulled back and looked into my eyes for a long moment. Her blue eyes sparked in the morning light. "Don't overthink it. Just do what feels right."

  I felt that old guilt rise up in me. I'd been avoiding this conversation. "You don't mind?"

  "We don't choose how our roots grow." She spoke as if it were the simplest thing in the world. Then, she chuckled. "Plus, who's to say she's only yours? I'm pretty sure she prefers sleeping in my bed."

  It was my turn to laugh. "Fair."

  Her lips curled upward. "Plus, you already offered your hand to her, you damn tease. Don't keep her waiting forever. Not everyone is as patient as I was."

  I laughed again. "Yes, ma'am."

  I do what felt right. And right now, sending Tristan away to rest felt right. The rest would come when it came.

  As I resolved myself to the next step, the guilt and doubt in my chest faded away. I knew what I had to do.