myself a new heir apparent, then.”
“I’m sorry,” she whispered.
“Whatever for?” Hafiza chuckled. “You
have found love, and happiness, Yrene. There
is nothing more that I could ever wish for
you.”
Yrene wiped away the tear that slipped out.
“I just—I don’t want you to think I wasted
your time—”
Hafiza crowed with laughter. “Wasted my
time? Yrene Towers—Yrene Westfall.” The
ancient woman cupped Yrene’s face with her
strong, ancient hands. “You have saved us
all.” Yrene closed her eyes as Hafiza pressed
a kiss to her brow. A blessing and a farewell.
“You will stay in these lands,” Hafiza said,
her smile unwavering. “But even with the
ocean dividing us, we will remain linked
here.” She touched her chest, right over her
heart. “And no matter the years, you will
lily
(lily)
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