10
Layla
Prince Varian’s offer was tempting. For a brief moment, I let myself dream about it. About leaving this place, about receiving a bag full of gold and a medallion, and going back to the witches’ realm.
But that was impossible.
“Look, Prince Varian,” I started. “Even if I agreed to help you, it’s no good. I have already searched this forsaken land for a way out and there’s none. We’re stuck here.”
His wide shoulders sagged down as he accepted defeat. “It can’t be.”
I let out a sigh. Long ago, I had been in denial too. It took me many years to understand, and accept, that I wasn’t leaving this place. If I had accepted it sooner, it would have saved me a lot of trouble and pain.
“Just … you should head north, toward the coast,” I told him. It was a plan of mine, but I had never
