Love Letter

  Wrapped in a blanket, Ty sat on the bed, looking out the window at a cloudy, blindingly bright sky.

  “I heard his father came to get him last night,” Theo said, his arms wrapped around his cocooned partner.

  She didn’t take her eyes off the snowflakes peacefully drifting down to blanket the cold earth. “Yes,” she whispered.

  “Do you think he’ll be okay?”

  “Yes.”

  “It’s okay if you need to cry.”

  “No. I won’t.”

  Theo’s arms tightened around her, and she could feel his head rest in the crook of her neck. “Are you ready to say goodbye to everyone? They’re waiting.”

  “Yes.”

  * * *

  Alone, in an oversized, fluffy cream sweater, she walked into the common room with a stack of papers in hand.

  Seven people turned their heads to her at once. She scanned their faces, cementing every one of them in her mind at that very moment before she began.

  “Hi, everyone,” she spoke softly to the somber faces. “Thanks for waiting.”

  Although part of her wished she could have had the foresight to write something, it was fine that she hadn’t—perhaps it would be more genuine this way.

  “Thank you for all your fantastic work this semester. For last year, as well. We did a good job with what we had. And though it didn’t entirely go smoothly, and we had some injuries, we’re back here again. Home.” She averted her eyes and forced a small smile. “We had fun at the beach, too. I’m glad everyone could come. It was unconventional, but it was important to me. I’m sure we’ll look back on those days fondly one day. I know I will.”

  “Are you going somewhere?”

  Ty turned to Kor. She always had the most brilliant blue eyes, full of curiosity and intensity. Almost pin-straight dark brown hair that reached down her slender figure to her hips and would get in her way so often she would put it in a bun, which only made her look even more intimidating. Her expression today was no longer aloof, but serious. “I’ll be right here if you need me.”

  “You sound like Alex,” added Callie in a worried, high pitch.

  She nodded, turning to Alex on the other side. “As most of you probably already know, Alex will be leaving to work at MATS starting in the new semester. Adjustments will be made accordingly by the Headmistress, so there’s no need to worry. Everything will be okay.”

  “What about Faris?”

  It took her a few seconds to reply to Cyril’s direct words, staring at him with only the remnants of the thoughts she had buried deep beneath the sands of Cephelia. “He’ll wake up. I believe in him.”

  “And what if he doesn’t?” he challenged, arms crossed with an unimpressed look.

  “He will. I believe in him.”

  Darius was the one to speak next, no one else with enough courage to ascertain the unknown. “Cyril. Come, is okay. I believe what Ty says.”

  That seemed to not only put an end to Cyril’s line of questioning, but also to his patience. “Well, hand me my report, and I’ll get going.” He walked up to her, holding out a hand.

  Without asking him to stay longer, accepting the situation as it was, Ty flipped through her stack and handed him his semester and exam report. “Thank you for your excellent work. Thank you for taking care of Luci. I won’t forget it.”

  For a moment, she could see his eyes—so dark brown they almost matched his lustrous, royal hair—waver slightly before he turned around and walked to the entrance. He put on his shoes, picked up his bags, and then his pale figure went through the door without another word.

  Alex was the next to step forward. “I think I’ll head out too. Don’t wanna get caught in a snowstorm—I hear there’s going to be one tonight.”

  Ty nodded and flipped through the papers to find Alex’s stack—not just her exam report, but her overall class report. “Thank you, Alex. You were an excellent duelist. I look forward to hearing amazing things about you over at MATS. I’m sure the kittens around campus will miss you dearly.”

  Taking the papers, Alex chuckled, uncertainty in her voice and tears in her eyes as she unexpectedly wrapped her arms around Ty. “Oh, Ty. I’ll miss you and everyone. I’ll write and come by to visit—I’ve got to bug Ferry at least once every week, after all—you know, if he—if he…” Her face fell as her words tapered off, but it took no time for her to recover and shake off the sadness. “A-anyway! It’s not the last goodbye—no need to look so glum.” She then stepped back, hastily wiped away the stray tears that fell, and bowed deeply, her unruly light brown hair with its stray curls at the end bouncing from the forcefulness of her actions. “Thank you so much, Ty. I’m glad that I had the chance to spend my time here with you and be your classmate.”

  Lowering her head and bowing slightly, Ty returned the gesture and genuine smile.

  With a final shy wave, she headed to the doorway like Cyril did before hoisting a large bag on her back and picking up two more in each hand. “See you, everyone! Have a fun winter break! Be back soon!”

  Five more students.

  “Who’s next?” Sitting on the edge of the couch, Kor kicked her feet. “Elias, gonna scram? I know you’re dying to.”

  Elias, sitting at the counter where she had caught him skipping class during the first year, nodded to Callie. “I’ll go when Callie does.”

  Everyone’s heads turned to the beet-red support standing alone in the center of the room now that Alex and Cyril were gone.

  “I—” Callie began, suddenly very conscious of the fact that she was alone, covered her mouth and looked away from Elias. “I…I’ll go last.”

  “Why don’t you go next, Kor?” sighed Selene, rolling her eyes and uncrossing her arms from beside the couch to push the teasing chemist off.

  Kor pouted. “You wanna go home so quickly? I thought you hated it back there.”

  The tiny botanist’s expression turned dark, a stark contrast to Korinna’s playful smile. “Well you don’t, and I know you want to go home. So let’s go.”

  “Okay, then let’s go.” She walked up to Sel, put her left hand behind her back, bent over slightly, and held out her right hand, her next word full of more genuine warmth than anything she had ever heard come out of her mouth. “Princess?”

  The royal’s icy demeanor immediately faded, replaced by one of surprise. Her dark, royal eyes turned glassy; her pale cheeks blushed a light pink; her mouth opened slightly, but no words came out. There was something in her expression Ty had never seen before in her, a rare moment of vulnerability. Something that she didn’t think her tiny classmate was capable of showing around others, something that surpassed all of that.

  “S-stop, I can’t say that here,” she whispered back shakily, pulling her hood over her face and taking the hand that pulled her over to the class leader.

  “Okay, now you thank her for—”

  Selene, with a rare guffaw, swatted away Kor’s obvious gesture. “Hey, stop it!” And then she pulled her hood down further, though it could not cover her long and delicate blond hair, and mumbled a muted, but affectionate, “Thank you.”

  Ty fought the urge to crouch down to meet the botanist’s level, instead letting her keep her own secrets. “Thank you, Selene. You were a fine botanist, but I think you were an even better healer. I think you’ll go far. I’m proud of you.”

  In response, Sel hit Kor.

  Flinching, her partner straightened up. “Ah—yes. Thank you, Ty. It was…an interesting semester. Hopefully we’ll be able to chat more after the break—maybe have a party or something, congratulations and all.”

  Not sure what she was talking about, still maintaining her practiced smile, Ty watched Kor wink, take the papers from her, and then usher Sel over to the front entrance.

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  When they left, Darius had already walked up to Ty’s side without her knowledge.

  “Tac—”

  “Darius?” Ty interrupted quickly, turning her head to the Ancient.

  Taken aback, the Ancient tried to continue. “Tact—”

  “I’ll be leaving, if you wanted to know,” she interrupted again, her fake smile wiped from her face.

  He blinked, eyeing Callie and Elias before returning to Ty. “You’re…you’re not staying?”

  She shook her head. “No, I’m not.”

  “But…” he began before trailing off, staring at the class leader.

  “You were a fantastic armorer and weaponsmith for the class, Darius. Thank you for the sword. Thank you for telling me your stories. For telling me about your father. You did well, honoring your promise to him.”

  Darius lowered his eyes and bowed deeply, formally. She had forgotten how tall the Ancient was. How lovely his black hair was, set against his glowing, tan skin. The warmth of his golden aura that exuded warmth and love. “Thank you.”

  Ty did not reciprocate the bow, her weary eyes following the Ancient, who straightened back up after a few reverent seconds. “I’ll see you later,” she said lightly, but with heavy intention behind her words.

  He regarded her, his words slow and methodical. “Yes…later.”

  “Where are you going home to?” Ty asked next, pulling out Darius’s report.

  “I stay.”

  She cocked her head.

  Darius’s gaze did not waver, his words still steady and deliberate as he took the outstretched piece of paper. “This is home now.”

  Her hand returned to the remaining two papers in her hand. “Ah. I see.”

  But instead of leaving, he turned to the hallway to the dorms. “I must give something to Theo first. Where is he?”

  Her smile returned. “He’s in my room.”

  “Okay.”

  To the sound of Darius’s barefoot steps on the cold stone, Ty’s somber gaze finally landed on Callie and Elias.

  “Shall I ask for an explanation?”

  Callie, still red in the face, responded lightning-quick. “No, please don’t.”

  A familiar ache in her chest resurfaced, nostalgic as ever, as she turned her head. “Elias?”

  “If she says no, it’s a no,” reaffirmed the duelist with a lazy wave.

  “You know,” Ty felt herself reply reflexively, “you’ve changed a lot, Elias.”

  He took no time to respond. “Haven’t you, too?”

  “I’m glad you’ve found your reason.”

  “And I’m glad you’ve found yours.”

  Ty blinked, taking a few seconds to process the words before sighing. “You were not the best student, and I had to do a lot of extra paperwork because of you, but I’m glad I was here to be your class lead. Thank you for all that you’ve done for this class, and thank you for all that I’m sure you will do for this class, but most of all—” She turned and smiled to Callie. “Thank you for taking care of Callie.”

  “You’re welcome,” he responded completely deadpan.

  Sighing again, this time with a genuine smile on her face, Ty walked up to Elias by the counter, his sheet in her hands.

  He reached for it, but she did not let go.

  “If you break her heart, mark my words, I will find you.”

  A smile finally surfaced on Elias’s face as his gray eyes stared straight through her. “You have no right to say that when you’re the one breaking her heart by leaving.”

  “Uh—uh, you two.”

  Knowing that this was one battle she couldn’t—and didn’t want to—win, Ty let go of the paper and walked over to Callie.

  “Please don’t fight on our last day together.”

  She shook her head. “I’m sorry. I’ll stop.”

  “I’ll miss you.”

  “I’ll miss you, too.”

  “When will I see you again?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “…It’s never, isn’t it?”

  “I don’t know, Callie.”

  “So…this is it?”

  “…Yeah.”

  “I…”

  “I love you, Callie. I hope you know that.”

  Biting her bottom lip, with tears rolling down her face, Callie nodded.

  “Everything is going to be okay.”

  She nodded again.

  “Take care of yourself. I’ll be watching, okay?”

  A shaky laugh left her mouth.

  “You were the best student, Callie. The very best. Where do I even begin? You—”

  “No,” interrupted Callie suddenly, shaking her head, struggling to get her words out. “No, it’s—it’s okay. I don’t—I don’t think I—”

  Ty smiled weakly, feeling a deep sadness within her even though she had no more tears to shed. “My last order to you, Callie, as your class leader, is for you to live and be happy. That’s it. Do you think you could do that for me?”

  More nodding before she opened her arms for a hug, and Ty took the offer, holding her as tight as she could.

  “Goodbye, Calliope,” she whispered, prepared to let go but feeling Callie still hold on.

  “J-just a bit more.”

  Ty breathed in, not letting go.

  “Thank you for believing in me, Ty.”

  “Of course,” she mumbled.

  “I love you.”

  “To the Earth Mother and back.”

  “To the Earth Mother and back.”

  Feeling Callie’s grip finally loosen, Ty did the same, planting a kiss on Callie’s cheek before stepping back and holding out the last report in her hand.

  The support gently took it with both hands, bowed slightly, and then turned to her partner. “Elias?”

  Turning around in his seat so he was no longer facing away from the two girls, he eyed Callie. “Done?”

  She nodded, wiping the last of her tears away.

  “Okay, let’s go.”

  Watching them each pick up their own small bag, Ty waved weakly at the last two students until only she remained in the common room.

  The plush red carpet. The big couch Cyril loved to sleep on because it was just as comfortable as a bed. The fireplace that the first person who woke up each day would light and the last person to sleep would put out. The kitchen where Kor, Callie, and Alex cooked while engaging in countless shenanigans. The counter where she, Theo, and Elias would like to sit to work, eat, or sleep. The dining table that saw plenty of unique dishes prepared by the Academy’s phenomenal cooks, where she’d sometimes see Faris studying while he ate. The bookshelves and desk at the back, where Selene liked to do her morning blessing. The small bulletin board by the entrance, where she kept the attendance and hung up the latest report. The center of the room, where she stood once upon a time, wondering what her purpose was. What it mattered if she was alone, if she had no home.

  But she was wrong. This was her home. Her family. No matter where she went, no matter how far she traveled away from the Academy. No matter how much time passed.

  “Everyone’s gone?”

  She nodded to Theo, who emerged from the dorm room hallway with her cloak in his hands. “Yeah.”

  “How are you feeling?”

  “My heart hurts.”

  He walked over to her and draped her cloak over her shoulders before wrapping her in a big hug. “Yeah?”

  “I’m sad.”

  “Would you like me to prescribe you something for your sadness?”

  “Immunity. Refresh every two to four hours depending on the severity of the pain,” she recited with a proud yet sad smile.

  “And how much does it hurt?” he whispered, stroking her back.

  She closed her eyes and rested her head on his shoulder, sinking into the warmth she never wanted to let go of. “A lot.”

  He gave her a squeeze. “Come. I know just the cure.”

  * * *

  It was like they were children again.

  Snow falling gently, piling on their hoods, they walked into the forest. Hand in hand, smiling at each other and whispering about things that no one could hear but them. Small things. Silly things. Things that had no larger meaning. Things they could appreciate in the moment, unclouded by any faraway thoughts or preoccupations.

  Shuffling through the snow, passing by countless trees and shrubs, they stopped by an icy pond first. They reminisced with each other about the memories they had made there, the fun they had spent with their other classmates during peaceful spring weekends.

  Then they walked further into the forest, their hearts as their guide, walking down undisturbed winter paths and placing their hands on old wooden trees that hadn’t been touched since winter had begun. They walked and walked, looking up every once in a while to catch a snowflake with their tongues, or simply to gaze at the majesty of the flurries drifting through the sky and onto their pale faces.

  And finally, they arrived at a clearing. One they had spent countless hours in, one that they knew like the backs of their hands. One they would never forget, for as long as they lived. The place where they had found each other, the place where they had begun, the place where they had encountered a fate rarer than any spell.

  The place where they had been happy.

  Together, hand in hand, they stepped into the center of the clearing. They lowered their hoods, took each other’s hands, and then closed their eyes.

  A clear blue sky. A warm sun. A light breeze, enough so that you hear the leaves on the bright green trees arching far over them rustle gently. Enough so you could feel the clusters of the pinkest flowers lined with white sway and nip at your legs. Bathed in the golden glow of remembrance, caressing everything within its aura.

  They opened their eyes and saw their dreams manifest within the snowstorm, an impenetrable globe made from their memories, containing all the love they shared, enough to shut out even the harshest of storms, the coldest of nights.

  “I love you, Ty. I’ve always loved you, and I’ve never stopped. You’re the light of my life. I never used to believe in anything. Not in the world, not in the Earth Mother, not in her Graces. I lived life as a hateful person, wanting revenge for a world that had wronged me. A world that had given me no reason to continue other than to spite my very creators. An ugly world that I wanted to destroy.

  “But it gave me you. It gave me the time we spent together, even though it was shorter than I would have wanted. Because even an eternity by your side would not be enough for me to be able to show you how much I love you. Because even an eternity by your side would not be enough for me to be able to repay you for all that you’ve done for me. Because even an eternity by your side would not be enough for me to fulfill the dreams I had always envisioned for us.

  “I know you have to go. And I know our story is over, that I’ll probably never see you again. I’ve accepted it, even though every part of me begs me to tell you to stay. But I trust you. I trust you, and I know you’re doing this because you love us. Because you want to protect the world that we all live in, the world that will one day be our future. The world that doesn’t deserve you, the world that will never know your name.

  “But I’ll remember. I’ll remember everything about you until the day I die. I’ll remember the first day we met, when I didn’t believe that you couldn’t have gotten a mark higher than me. I’ll remember the first time we battled, when you didn’t hurt me even when I tried to hurt you. I’ll remember when you showed me your dream and healed me, when you took away the hurt I had kept to myself for so long. I’ll remember our first hug that turned the forest pink. Our first kiss, that night after the party. I’ll remember the winter we spent together, happy and content, in our little bubble. I’ll remember how it feels to hold you in my arms. I’ll remember your voice, your beautiful dark eyes, your stunning thin long hair that grows light near its roots and turns darker at the tips. Your delicate hands, your pink cheeks. I’ll remember how much you loved every single one of us, unconditionally and unreservedly. Everything. I’ll remember everything. Even the spell to the first flower I made for you.”

  Slowly, Theo let go of her hands and knelt on one knee in front of Ty, quickly brushing away the tears that were running down his face. “I…I know our time is limited, and it’s not…it’s neither traditional nor official, but…but for the time we have left, for the time I have left here with you, this last winter, I…I’d like to do at least this.”

  He reached into his pocket and pulled out a delicate, crystalline-blue ring adorned with tiny flowers of the first gift she had ever received from the person she loved the most in the entire world.

  “Tyche sel’emma Jeanne. Will you marry me?”

  She had promised herself not to cry—not when she had to leave the infirmary in the dead of night, not when she returned to her room, not when Theo knocked, not when he held her and told her it was going to be alright, not when she couldn’t give Cyril his proper goodbye, not when she had to say farewell to Callie.

  But now—now, she didn’t want to keep her promise. She didn’t want to hide anything anymore. She didn’t want to pretend to be strong. She didn’t want to hold anything back.

  Covering her eyes with her hands, crying like a child, Ty listened to her heart and spoke its answer, nothing more.

  “Yes. Yes, I will.”