-Laelia-
I said a quick goodbye to my brothers the next day. I promised I would visit them soon, though I had no idea when that might be. I had only been allowed to come here because Ashes had brought me, and now he was leaving for who knew how long.
Still, I hoped to find a way to see them again. It was hard to turn away from them, riding behind Ashes this time, but he had places to be and answers to find, along with my brother. The sooner he left, the sooner he would return to me.
My goodbye with Ashes was even quicker. He packed a few things from our room, gave me a brief look, and then turned away. I understood how he felt. He needed to go, but he wanted to stay. I felt the same way—I needed him to go, but I wished I could ask him to stay.
Yet, I remained silent. As he left the r
