Winter of Destiny (Celestia Chronicles Book 4/Seasons Arc: Book 4)

Chapter 17: Building Tomorrow

Lucifer sat in his throne waiting to hear back from Vex. He looked over to the side of the room to see his newest prize, Zefor, standing at attention with a hateful look in his eyes directed at Lucifer.

"I have good news" Vex said as he walked into the room. "Syvix, Galof, and Xaug are all dead. Granted it turns out that is nothing compared to this next bit of news."

Vex tossed the two halves of the collar Gremdar used to inhibit Syvix's magic to Lucifer. He looked over them curiously for a second before letting out an audible gasp and a sinister smile spreading across his face.

"Oh this will do nicely" Lucifer said, excited about the plans forming in his head.

********

Two days later Jade stood in front of a mirror at Fort Balstar as she looked at the dress she was wearing to the coronation. She looked at her reflection really taking in the details of her body and noting the scars that she carried from the past year. She moved her hand downward to her lower gut as she could feel the scar from her death. She also shed a tear at the thought of what else that injury took from her.

The door opened as Talon walked in wearing a set of regal robes. Jade smiled at him as he walked over to her and held her in a loving embrace as he planted a kiss on her cheek. He could tell what was on her mind.

"Are you sure you want a future with me" she asked.

Talon held her close and felt her body shaking.

"A future with you is the only thing I want" He said. "I love you- not the idea of being a father someday." He felt Jade squeeze him slightly in their embrace. "We could always raise an orphan... as long as his name isn't Xavier..."

Jade laughed at his lame joke. "I think this is for the best" She said.

"What do you mean" Talon asked.

"Remember how I disappeared for a few hours on the solstice" she asked.

"Yeah I remember" Talon said.

"I think I am going to be going back there sometime soon" Jade said. "I think you'll be coming with me as well." Talon looked at her with a curious expression. "I can't explain it- it's just a gut feeling."

"Your instincts are always correct" Talon said. "I'm always up for another adventure."

There was a knock at the door as Saje walked in. "Your father's coronation will be starting shortly" Saje said.

"Right, we're done here anyway" Jade said.

"Thank you Jade" Saje said. Jade was taken aback by this.

"You gave me hope and purpose" Saje said. "You wrote your own destiny!"

"I mean technically it was already written in the prophecy but we just interpreted it wrong this whole time" Talon said. He saw that he was getting annoyed looks from both Saje and Jade. "Imma go now" He added as he walked to the door, "See you in a bit sweetie."

After Talon was gone Saje looked at Jade with a smug smile.

"Sweetie?"

"Oh shut up" Jade said as her cheeks became flushed.

"Are you really leaving today" Saje asked.

Jade turned around looking at him shocked.

"Hendok read Talon's mind and told me but no one else" Saje explained.

"Of course he did" Jade said with a sigh.

"So?"

"Me and Talon are leaving before the morning" Jade said. "I know it is selfish to not tell anyone but-"

"You wanted this day to be about your father" Saje said. "I understand and I am sure he will too."

Jade walked out of the room with Saje as she saw him beaming at her with pride.

"What?"

"Exactly one year ago we stood here making plans to leave" Saje said. "I just can't believe how much you have grown in just a year. You've started death in the face and defied a path others told you was inescapable. You are without a doubt the strongest woman I have ever met."

Jade smiled.

"It was quite the year" she said.

Jade and Saje walked down the hallway knowing full well that this was the last time they would be alone together.

Saje would miss his student.

Both of them.

END OF SEASONS ARC

STORY WILL CONTINUE IN THE R.E.A.P. ARC