cascade | kotlc

35. The Sorting Out

Things were sorted out.

Tam and Linh left for Alluveterre. Before they left, Tam promised they'd be back soon to visit. Biana tried to not squeal too happily at that.

Keefe left for Candleshade. She was still worried about him, but she was sure he could handle the pressure.

Then, the next morning came.

Calla's Panakes tree was the most exquisitely beautiful tree in the history of beautiful trees. It stood stately and elegantly on its hill, with long sweeping branches floating on the ocean breeze. The tree felt hopeful.

Thank you, Calla, for what you've done for us.

Biana gazed at the ring resting on her ring finger. She could always feel its steady presence and how it always calmed her down. Even Alvar's betrayal didn't affect her like it should've.

She still hadn't figured out how to utilize Calla's power yet, but she didn't complain. As the Black Swan had said, there were no easy answers in this world. Biana would have to find them herself, and she was ready as ever.

The flowers blossomed. Thousands of them, maybe millions, turned the Panakes's branches into garlands of silky fluff. They changed colors in the shifting sunlight, sometimes pink, sometimes purple, sometimes blue. Their indescribably sweet scene made Biana's head feel clearer, her heart lighter. She had no doubt they truly could heal anything.

It was a bittersweet farewell, but it felt more like a welcome by the next day. Mr. Forkle was right when he gave June that note.

Your new spring is coming.

And here it was. Winter passed, and spring arrived. It'll be summer soon.

She spent last night in Havenfield, with June and Sophie, like they had before. The bed was big, but their soft, steady breathing kept the covers warmer than ever.

The Neverseen were still a major threat. Biana didn't really care, honestly. She felt like they deserved some time to themselves, to finally be teenagers again. Saving the world could wait a little.

June left for Everglen to check on Fitz. He needed her, and Biana understood. She let her go.

The Council invited all the gnomes to come to Havenfield to gather the petals. And while there were definitely tears, there was also a celebration. Every one of the gnomes knew the sacrifice Calla had made for them and vowed to honor her memory. Grady and Edaline invited them to visit the tree any time they wanted, and the gnomes joined hands and circled the Panakes, singing a song of love and gratitude. And, of course, of hope.

The war wasn't over yet. But the small victories along the way deserved their own honor.

Biana sat by June's bed, gazing at the gnomes from her window, gently tapping the windowsill as she leaned her head out, breathing in the sweet scents. The Panakes grew still, stretching up and above, its blossoms blooming in the warm light as Calla's ring glowed dimly, humming the songs that she used to hear Calla sing. Perhaps it was just a memory, but the melody felt as familiar as it always would be.

The Council arrived later, quieting the celebration by reminding the gnomes that they now had a choice. They could remain in the Lost Cities, or they could start a new homeland.

"We choose to stay in the Lost Cities. Our lives are here, and they have always been happy. All we ask is that you promise there will be no more secrets."

Biana smiled sadly, hauling herself out the window and rolling onto Havenfield's crystal roof, running along as she raised her hand to the sunlight. Her broken arm and wrist didn't hurt anymore. Elwin worked wonders.