NOELLE’S POV,
The next morning Gabriel and I go back to the center of Liberum. We have had amazing days together and I feel light and happy for now. We find our friends in the meeting room where I first met them. When we walk in Holly immediately runs to us excited, “How was it, guys? Ow never mind I can already see it on the glowing look on both your faces.”
I give her a hug and laugh, “It was amazing just what we needed.”
The rest all smiles at us feeling happy because we are happy. I walk to Nolan who still looks like he has been crushed by a massive rock. I put my hand on his shoulder and asks softly, “How are you feeling?”
Nolan puts his hand on mine and answers, “I am alright considering the circumstances.”
He stares out of the window, “Being so close to death makes you think though about what is important in life.”
He looks at Holly for a second and a shimmer of pain and regret falls over his eyes. Holly notices his look and seems uncomfortable and quickly changes the subject.
“So now that the honeymoon is over, we should go back to discussing the plan,” she says to Gabriel and me.
I nod and go sit down at the table next to Faith. Zeus stands up and takes the lead, “Over the past few days we have discussed what to do and when. Basically, there is no time to lose so both missions must leave tonight. It is better to leave Liberum at night to make sure we keep it hidden. Gabriel, you and Julias will leave to go to Dandion. I have already sent a letter to the reigning family of the city that you both are coming. I have prepared a journal for you both to read on the way that contains information about the reigning family. They are loved and respected in the Mortal Realm, so it is essential to get them on our side.”
Gabriel gives Zeus an approved look, “Good work Zeus, thank you.”
Zeus nods and continues, “As for you Noelle, I have written a map and explained to Faith what the safest way is to get to the Under Realm. I have also written down useful spells, but I must admit that much is uncertain especially when you are in the Under Realm. I cannot tell you what will happen there exactly, but I believe in you and Faith. Communication with us will be too dangerous so you will have to rely on each other.”
I look at Faith and squeeze her hand, she smiles at me, and I feel very relieved and happy that she is coming with me.
Holly stands up, “Nolan, Zeus, and I will make sure everyone, and everything here is ready for when one of you gives us a sign. Now it is probably time to say goodbye to some people and pack your things.”
Before we can walk away Zeus shouts, “Before I forget Noelle, you cannot use your mind connection with Gabriel or Thorn to communicate. We don’t know enough about it to be sure that it can’t be detected by mind magic.”
I feel like a stone hit my stomach when I realize what that means. I look at Gabriel and realize today might be the last time I will see him, and I will never know during the journey, or he is okay. I can see the same hurt reflected in his eyes but we both know there is no other way. I quickly give him a hug; he holds me tight and gives me a kiss on my head. “I will see you later,” he whispers.
I walk out of the mountain and go look for Julias because I want to see him before I go. I find him at the square where he is looking at all the different people that are eating, shopping, and just hanging out. I go sit next to him on the stones, “Hej, how are you holding up?”
Julias keeps staring at all the people, “As good as can be expected, I guess. I can’t believe all these different people get along and just live in peace here. It is like another world.”
I smile, “Yeah Gabriel did an amazing job creating a safe space for people to become the best version of themselves.”
Julias looks uncertain, “You haven’t seen his behavior in the Sea Realm or at Hella’s court when I was a prisoner. He is not the perfect angel you think he is.”
I take Julias his hand and look him in his eyes, “Sometimes we have to make the best of a situation. By playing a certain cruel role in the spotlight, Gabriel was able to save so many people without being caught. I am sure he has done things that make him despise himself, but his heart was always at the right place. In the end, he stayed true to what he believed in, and he didn’t fall apart by the weight of his choices. Look at Roan, he also did what he thought was best for his Kingdom but in the end, the prize he paid for it was too high. There was good in both their intentions, but the end doesn’t always justify the means. Ruling a Kingdom will always be difficult.”
Julias looks back at me, “You really love him, don’t you?”
My face lights up, “Yes I do, and I believe you will understand why in time as well.”
Julias gives me a hug, “I care about you Noelle, I hope you are right.”
I stand up and say, “I am going to say goodbye to Thorn now but be careful in Dandion and try to work together with Gabriel. Then you both will have the biggest chance to succeed.”
Julias nods, “I will try, you also be careful. I don’t want to lose you after I just got you back.”
I smile at him, “I am like weeds growing on the ground, you can destroy me, but you will never get rid of my roots, and I will always come back.”
Julias laughs and I walk away smiling on my way to the dragon caves.
Thorn is already waiting for me with Dagahra by his side. Since the dragon dance, they have been inseparable. “Hi, my beautiful big golden boy,” I say while stroking his scales. Thorn looks at me with big sad eyes, “You are leaving today, aren’t you?”
I nod and put my head against his neck, “Yes I will miss you terribly. We can also not communicate while I am away.”
Thorn blows steam out of his nose angrily, “What? but how can I protect you then? Why can’t I come with you?”
A tear slides down my eye, “I know it sucks but it would be more dangerous because it will attract too much attention. But I will come back to you I promise, and you are needed here. You have a woman to protect now.”
I hug him tight, “I am so happy for you that you are together now.”
Dagahra joins us and both dragons hug me with their heads. I give them both a kiss and say, “I love you, Thorn, you are the best dragon that ever existed. You have made me so happy, and I am forever grateful for that.”
I give him one last stroke before walking away crying.
Unfortunately, it is already getting dark, so I have to hurry back and pack my bag before heading out outside where everyone is waiting. I am feeling very emotional and somehow it feels like this goodbye is more definite than others. I hug Holly, Zeus, and Nolan and tell them that they have a place in my heart and have shown me the power of friendship.
I take a deep sigh and walk to Gabriel to do what I try to postpone as long as possible. He looks at me with love but also sadness. I walk into his arms and take in his scent with a deep breath. I already feel like crying again and my body starts to shake. Gabriel softly strokes my hair and takes my face in his hands. I look into his eyes, and he says, “There is nothing I can say that will make this goodbye easier. But I have so many good memories with you that I can think of while we are apart. You have shown me how strong love can be and how much more life means with you by my side. I can’t wait to continue showing you that I am worthy of being your husband, but if I die on this journey, I will die a happy man knowing that you have shown me what life is about. We were destined to be together, and I believe our destiny doesn’t end here. I will find you again wherever you are.”
Tears roll down my face and pull him closer so that I can kiss him long and intensely. We stand there kissing for what feels like an eternity and then I put my forehead against his, “You and me forever in this life or the next.”
I kiss him one last time before walking away into Faith’s embrace. She softly guides me to a path that leads away from Liberum. I feel like my heart can’t contain the sadness that I feel at this moment. Before we walk around the corner, I look over my shoulder one last time. I will remember the sight of Gabriel standing there alone looking at me, his blue eyes piercing through my soul making my heart beat and hurt at the same time.