Ithika: Into The Forest

Epilogue

The fountain's cool waters trickled down Esthony's back, causing her to jolt from her seated spot onto Spenser's lap. "It's cold!" she screamed playfully.

Spenser laughed, turned, and grabbed a handful of water. "No, no!" she screamed, running away. But in an instant, he was by her side. She turned and smiled. Weeks had gone by since the conviction of both Queen Annastella and Joel. The council ruled that both were traders to Ithika and were sentenced to exile.

Esthony flirtatiously nudged Spenser as they walked slowly down the long dirt path toward the forest. "I hate that you're leaving today," Spenser groaned.

Esthony's happy expression dimmed. "I'll be back next summer as a counselor," she reminded, nudging his arm. "And you are going to visit me in California, aren't you?"

Spenser smiled shyly. "I'll be excited to see what California is like."

Esthony laughed. "And you'll have to come see me on campus."

"Ah, yes," he interjected, "Esthony Wright, college student."

Esthony laughed in reaction. "Spenser Culver...college professor," she quipped.

"Now wait a second!" he yelled jokingly.

Esthony giggled excitedly. "Sorry, I forgot. College is not your thing."

"That's right," he agreed. "And living in Ithika is not your thing."

Esthony's expression turned sour. "That's not true, Spenser. I love Ithika."

Spenser quickened his pace. "Yes, but not enough to stay," he prompted.

"That's not true either, and you know it," she growled. "I promised my mom I'd go this fall if she got off my back about me and you. I don't think she is very fond of the idea."

"Of me and you?" he finished.

"Yes, I think she is uncomfortable with the age difference."

Spenser threw his head back for a laugh. "You mean the hundred-year age difference? Yeah, I'd say that would make me uncomfortable too!"

Esthony's expression tightened. "I don't think it's very funny! You don't have to live with her!"

"And you do?" he asked.

"Well, not technically... but hey, it's free boarding!" she laughed.

Spenser nodded, agreeing. "Yeah, but you'd have free boarding here too?"

Esthony turned and grimaced. "Spenser, stop."

"I'm serious!" he replied. "You could stay here with me, Landon, Laza, and the others. We could teach you more powers. You could live here as one of us."

He turned to her and grabbed her shoulders. "At least think about it," he assured.

Esthony bit her lip. It was tempting to stay with the man she loved and her best friend. And Anne did have Juniper to keep her company... but the wedding was in only a few weeks! Anne would certainly need her help for that. She was, after all, the maid of honor.

"Just think about it," Spenser breathed. "And we'll go from there."

"Okay," she agreed, "but I have to be there in California for my mom's wedding!"

Spenser smiled confidently. "Of course... of course..."

Esthony lifted herself on her tippy toes and wrapped her arms lovingly around him. "You know I'm so happy," she breathed warmly.

Spenser wrapped his arms around her and kissed her softly on the forehead. His warm breath sent waves of passion through her core.

"This is completely off-topic," she began. "But what do you think Laza will do about Luthius and Landon?" she asked curiously.

Spenser's face grimaced at the question. "I don't know, but she better make up her mind before they kill each other. Landon's been on edge for weeks. Poor guy. I hope she chooses him."

Esthony sighed and turned around toward the gate. "Well, I guess we're here."

Spenser's body tightened with anxiety. "I'll see you soon, I guess?"

Esthony's eyes watered. "I will see you soon. I promise."

Spenser fiercely grabbed her and pulled her close to his rock-hard body. His lips brushed her forehead, then her lips and her neck. She sighed heavily. "I'll never go if you keep that up!" she exclaimed.

"Good," he breathed between ragged breaths.

Suddenly, their peace and quiet were interrupted by a loud thump. Startled, they turned to face the plump little redhead.

"Are you ready to go, sweetie?" the kind woman asked softly.

Esthony nodded. Her head hung tearfully. "I suppose so," she murmured, turning towards Spenser. He stood motionless, his fists clenched tightly. The red head extended her palm towards Esthony.

Reluctantly, Esthony placed her hand in hers. And just like that, the Gate opened. Beyond the gate stood a majestic oak tree, the same one from her backyard! Esthony's mouth hung open in awe, as she stared at its familiar presence. "How did it...? How is this possible?" she stammered. The lady chuckled at her reaction.

"You should know by now, Esthony," she said with a gleam in her eyes, "magic is woven into the very fabric of Ithika. Anything can happen here."

"That's right," a booming, feminine voice called out from behind, followed by familiar laughter. All three turned around to find Queen Annastella and Joel by her side in his wolf form. The Queen cackled maniacally. "Hello again, Esthony Wright."