CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

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-Return to Narnia-

"Well, I suppose Aslan heard what you mentioned back at the train station, Pete," I remarked, my gaze unwavering from the stunning scene before us.

The five of us stood, attempting to comprehend the inexplicable turn of events and the realization that we were once again in Narnia.

Lucy stepped ahead, smiling between her sister and me, indicating our shared thoughts.

Without hesitation, the three of us dashed towards the sea, shedding the layers of our uniforms, and leaving us in blouses and skirts.

"Shame you're not as quick as me, Ed!" Peter's joyful exclamation echoed behind me.

"The last one in is a rotten egg!" Susan declared, urging us on.

As we reached the water's edge, the inviting waves lapped at our feet, drawing giggles from Lucy, Susan, and me. The warmth of the sun combined with the salty breeze made the moment feel almost ethereal.

With a mischievous grin, Lucy took the plunge first, diving into the sea with a delighted shriek. Susan followed suit, splashing in after her. I hesitated for a moment, feeling the thrill of the waves kissing my toes, then joined them, diving into the cool embrace of the ocean.

As we swam and laughed together, the joy of being back in Narnia enveloped us. Amidst our play, I found myself stealing glances at Edmund, who was equally absorbed in the merriment. Our eyes met, sharing unspoken sentiments, an understanding that went beyond mere words.

Edmund and I found ourselves side by side, caught in a game of splashing and laughter. With each playful interaction, there lingered a warmth and connection, a tacit acknowledgment of feelings that danced beneath the surface, unspoken yet felt deeply between us.

"Ed, no!" I shrieked as Ed moved behind me, his arms encircling my waist before playfully letting us tumble backward into the water.

As our laughter echoed amidst the serene surroundings, Edmund and I continued to splash and joke, reveling in the carefree moments that felt like a cherished dream. However, our playful antics came to a sudden pause as Edmund stopped abruptly in his tracks, his attention captured by what seemed to be a castle ruin off in the distance.

"What is it?" I inquired, noticing his fixed gaze on the ruins.

"Where do you suppose we are?" he mused, casting a glance in his brother's and my direction.

"Well, where do you think?" Peter chimed in, surveying the surroundings.

"I don't remember any ruins in Narnia," Ed remarked, casting another look back at the ruins, prompting us to direct our attention to the mysterious sight.

We stepped back from the waves, taking a moment to dry off and tidy ourselves before making our way toward the castle ruins.

As we arrived at our destination, we dispersed to explore, each of us taking a moment to inspect and scrutinize every facet of the castle ruins. Moving independently, we studied the weathered stones, the faded inscriptions, and the remnants of ancient walls, each carrying its tale of history and mystery.

Engrossed in our investigations, we silently absorbed the atmosphere, captivated by the echoes of the past that lingered within the ruins.

"I wonder who lived here." I voice out to the boy beside me, who refused to leave my side since we got here.

He remained silent, kneeling beside me as I stood, before revealing an item he had picked up from the ground.

It was a book, the very same one I had last read before inadvertently leaving this place.

"I believe we did," he remarked before rising and walking alongside me to locate the others.

A quiet lull settled between us as we strolled, until he broke the silence, "So, how are you holding up?"

I stole a glance at him, though his gaze remained fixed on the ground. Despite this, I replied to his question.

"I'm doing alright," I replied. "And you?"

"Fine too," he murmured before continuing hesitantly.

"So, um, did you see the letter?" he asked sheepishly, stealing a glance at me this time.

I nodded, "Yes, I did."

He lapsed into silence for a moment, contemplating his next words.

"You know, it's tough when you're not around," he admitted.

"Going to sleep at night and waking up the next day without you there is rather frustrating," he expressed, and I pursed my lips, acknowledging his sentiments.

"I understand, Ed," I admitted, "your letter was the only thing that could ease that feeling or my nightmares."

The boy beside me remained silent as Susan came into sight, clutching something.

"Hey, that's mine," Ed asserted, "From my chess set."

Peter joined us and inquired, "Which chess set?"

"Well, I didn't exactly have a solid gold chess set in Finchley, did I?" the brunette Pevensie quipped to his brother as he retrieved a golden piece from his chess set held by his sister, his voice laced with sarcasm, prompting a chuckle from me.

"Can't be," the youngest Pevensie whispered before running away from us prompting us to follow her.

"Don't you see?" she asked as she held Peter's hands who looked at her in confusion.

She then placed second to the left side, "Imagine wall," she said and then placed her sister opposite Peter's spot.

"And columns, right over there," she continued, gesturing to the vicinity around us.

Edmund and I then went to our rightful spot, him beside Peter while I was in the middle of the Pevensies, "And a glass roof."

A sense of familiarity then surged within me as longingly imagined the place around us.

"Cair Paravel," I whispered.

𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 | edmund pevensieWhere stories live. Discover now