Page 148 of Haunted

She is not mine.

She hasn’t been mine for many years.

Yet she reaches.

“You have nothing to fear,” Niawen says. “Come, Caedryn. Take my hand.”

“But I killed you.”

Niawen stares at me. She stares as if she didn’t know. She stares as if she doesn’t know what to say.

A horrible guilt nearly crushes my joy from her presence. She must despise me.

“It doesn’t matter anymore, Caedryn.”

“I did horrible things.”

“Everyone does.”

I bob my head. How can she be calm knowing what kind of person I turned into?

Has she forgiven me?

I cannot bear it.

But she waits. With her hand outstretched.

Since she is dead, I am dead also.

“This is the beyond,” I say with knowing. “Why does it look so much like Gorlassar?”

“It is not Gorlassar but a realm where Deian dwells.”

“Deian. The Creator?”

Niawen seems amused. “He created you and me.”

“How have I been blessed to end up on his abode? Is Neifion here?”

“It is where we all end up. And, yes, Neifion is here. He is eager to see you.”

Relief overwhelms me. Tears prick my eyes. “So I am home.” I cannot wait to see Neifion.

“Yes.”

I swallow. “With you.”

“Of course.” Niawen’s smile fills the empty, dark spot in my soul.

Reluctantly, nervously, I slide my hand into hers. A warmth I’ve missed more than I can express threads up my arm.

“Why am I blessed to see you?” I squeeze her hand. “I’ve missed you.”

She flashes perfect, straight teeth. “Your mind was lost along the way, so your heart lay in confusion for such a long time.”

I swallow as shame builds under my sternum.

I touch my chest and then seek within my heart-center.

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