evermore || sebastian sallow

chapter 5 - cruel summer

chapter 5 - cruel summer

I stood by the bronze gates, mercilessly tapping my foot on the ground waiting for my letter.

It's been a month since I sent my first letter to Sebastian, and every day since then, we've exchanged letters every week. His letters always arrived 3 days after I sent mine, so, every 3 days, I impatiently wait at the gates for it.

My birthday was two weeks from now, and I was getting anxious every day. I cope with it by sending him letters. After all, I did promise to do so whenever my mind spiraled into an abyss, as he put it.

Finally, I see a tawny owl come into view from a distance. Alice, Sebastian's owl.

I remember he once told me it was Anne who named her because she absolutely adored the book, Alice in Wonderland.

I felt myself smiling before she even landed in front of me. I took the letter from her beak and gave her a quick pet. I also rewarded her with a treat as I always did before she flew off.

I didn't bother going to my room to read the letter. I sat down on the grass and lay on my stomach, my sage green dress fanning around me. The last thing I wrote to him was about my training at home.

My parents have been training me tirelessly to master my ancient magic. I was exhausted to my core almost every day.

I tore the envelope open and began to read:

Dear Y/n,

I hope you're faring well, and resting when you can. I know how much physical pain ancient magic gives you, so please, take care of yourself. Eat strawberries. Maybe I could send some over actually.

Has training been of much help to you though? You're a powerful witch, I know you can do anything if you set your mind to it.

And if I'm being honest, I don't think it's fair for your parents to keep pushing you to your limit. Can't you talk to them about it? I'd hate to see you hurt yourself. You're supposed to be healing this summer, not hurting.

But how is it that you're able to use magic outside of school? You're not even eighteen yet. Or have I missed your birthday? If that's the case, I apologize.

Please, let me know if I can do anything at all.

On that note, remember how we promised to see each other this summer? Do inform me when and where you want to go. I will be there.

Summer here has been exhausting. But Ominis and I get by.

                                                                                                                            Your friend,

                                                                                                                                               Sebastian

After I read it, I ran swiftly to my room, almost stumbling up the staircase. This was the perfect moment to invite them to my party! Then, maybe tell them the truth about everything.

I grabbed my quill and wrote:

Dear Sebastian,

Training has been alright. I'm exhausted almost every day.