Achromatic Adventure

Divide

Months drifted by like sand slipping through an hourglass, each day blending into the next as life settled into a rhythm that seemed to tug us apart. Turstin's schedule at Keria Academy grew increasingly demanding, filled with lectures, research projects, and administrative duties that stretched late into the evenings. What had once been moments stolen between classes or lingering dinners now became scarce as responsibilities claimed more of his time.

I found myself navigating the corridors of our relationship with a sense of uncertainty creeping in. The evenings we once spent sharing dreams and whispered promises now often ended with tired smiles and brief goodnights. Turstin's absence left a void that echoed in the quiet of our shared moments, a reminder of the challenges we faced in balancing our love with the demands of our separate lives.

At times, doubts whispered at the edges of my thoughts, questioning whether our bond could weather the storm. Yet, amidst the ache of longing, there remained a flicker of hope—a determination to fight for the love we had built, despite the obstacles that threatened to pull us apart. A longing to hold onto the promises we had made, a future together, a log cabin home, a forever. I really wanted that forever.

I poured myself into my studies and magical pursuits, seeking solace in the familiarity of ancient tomes and the whispers of spells that had once united us. I was distracted, causing me to recount spells incorrectly, blow up my cauldron, set my curtains on fire. You name it, I ruined it. The library became my sanctuary once more, a place where I could retreat into the comforting embrace of knowledge and reflection. Seren and I began to frequent often to get ideas for spells, do some research on recipes, and keep our crowded minds busy.

In moments of solitude, I found myself reflecting on our journey—the laughter shared, the dreams nurtured, and the quiet moments that had woven our hearts together. Turstin remained my anchor, his presence a beacon that guided me through the uncertainty, even as our paths seemed to diverge.

When we did steal moments together, they were fleeting yet precious—weekend escapes to secluded cabins, where we would watch the sunset paint the sky in hues of rose and gold. Each stolen moment felt like a reaffirmation of our love, a testament to the strength of our connection despite the challenges we faced.

One evening, as we sat in the dim glow of candlelight, I found myself unable to contain the doubts that had taken root in my heart.

"Turstin," I began softly, my fingers tracing patterns on the table between us. "I miss us. I miss the way things used to be."

He looked at me, his expression a mix of sorrow and anger. "I can't stop working like this, Lil, not now. I have so much going on." he was already in the law books, preparing his ironclad defense, his voice tinged with regret. "I never wanted things to change like this. But people change, schedules change."

A knot tightened in my chest as I struggled to find the right words. "I want to make this work," I whispered, my voice wavering with emotion. "But I need to know that we're both willing to fight for it."

Turstin reached across the table, his hand finding mine and squeezing it gently. A touch that once set my body on fire felt ice cold."What exactly are we fighting for, Lil?" he said quietly, his voice cracking, his eyes searching mine for reassurance. "I don't know what we are doing here. We are on two different planets"

In that moment, surrounded by flickering candles and the weight of unspoken fears, I felt a sharp sting in my chest. Panic had come and gone, I was beyond panic. I was beyond reason.

"What do you mean Turstin?" I could barely get my words out, it felt as if my throat were closing. I wanted to gasp for air, but everything seemed to stand still.