Page 28 of Gift from the Wing

“So you just broke the vow?” Tillman asks.

“Not me. The vow broke when Willow entered the south wing. That’s why I was able to get close to her and you all weren’t. Orien’s power wasn’t holding me back. Then what happened between us when we entered unlocked a few of the memories, reminding me that I’m the one who gave him his middle name and nickname. I can’t believe that boy took that memory from everyone who knew him…The rest surfaced as we watched his last day unfold,” Gaster says softly, smiling as he looks around the space.

“What happened between the two of you before we came in?” Caspian asks, catching on to that little tidbit.

With a shaky voice and watery eyes, I explain how Elementra severed our bond so she could weave CC’s back in with ours, reconnecting the three of us. My heart and soul become lighter with my words, but the knowledge that Gaster spent eight years dealing with that level of suffering while I could hardly bear minutes of it splits me open.

My suffering was nulled. How the Memoria stone took that level of pain away from me, I’m not sure, but I’m grateful. I never would’ve survived the nonmagical realm if I was that crippled in my grief.

Tears flow down my face in streams as that thought puts yet another piece together for me. Elementra, CC, and the Memoria stone somehow worked together to keep that away from me so I could survive. They knew I was going to be alone again, so they tried to protect me as best as they could emotionally.

Draken’s quick to kneel in front of me, purring as he wipes the water off my cheeks, then lays his forehead to mine. “How about we explore? I know your mind is all over the place right now, but that curiosity still burns bright. Maybe that’ll help the memories and thoughts settle down a little.”

That’s exactly what I want.

As if his words have given my mind permission to slow down, focus on something else, I grace him with a huge smile. My dragon always knows what I want and need, even before I do.

“I’d like that. If everyone else is up to it,” I mumble.

Everyone’s interest piques and washes over me. They want to know just as badly as I do—hell, maybe more—what’s hiding behind these walls.

“Here, take this before you go on your adventure, Willow,” Gaster says, passing me another healing vial.

“Are you okay with exploring?” I ask him, then tilt my head back.

A brilliant smile breaks out across his face. It’s so contagious that I can’t help but mimic him. Why he’s so happy, I don’t know, but his aura is breathtaking and mine soaks it up like a sponge.

“This is a moment only meant for the five of you. CC meant what he said by this is your space. He and I are the only two who’ve been in here in hundreds of years and still only you all can enter the ward. Plus, you and I are not the only ones who’ve had our memories returned. I will go run interference while you all take your time.”

The pride in his voice sparks a bit of excitement in each of us, and our gazes naturally look at the hall that leaves this room. There’s so much mystery to that corridor and what lies behind it. My heart flutters with anticipation, stronger than the throbbing in my mind.

“Who else—”

“Oh shit…” I murmur as my hand flies to my mouth, cutting Corentin’s question off.

The memories slowly start coming to the forefront of my mind before settling into their new homes. Conversation after conversation replays through the years. My eyes trace the wording on the letters repeatedly.

“Your mom. She knows all about me. Well, we know all about each other. CC took her memories as well. Often at that. Your dads as well, just not as much,” I whisper, staring at Gaster’s mischievous eyes. He knew all about this, the whole time. Well, when his memories were his own to know.

“You’re going to have to give us more detail than that, little wanderer,” Draken says.

“CC spent years telling me about Aurora. Passing communications between the two of us. He never told me who she was to me, but as I got older, started asking more questions about my mom, girl things, and so on, he sought out help from the only person he knew to ask,” I mumble.

“Did Mom know who Willow was in all of this, Gaster?” Corentin asks, narrowing his eyes.

“Technically, yes, but she never got to keep her memories. Every conversation, every letter, was kept from her. I’m only privy to this because he warned me this would happen. She knew that Willow was your Primary and was in the nonmagical realm, and Orien told her that was how it had to be. So Aurora took what little and every opportunity he gave her to be there for Willow.”

A smile breaks out across my face as the memories continue to unravel for me. He started telling me stories about Aurora when I was eight years old, and he allowed us to communicate with one another through letters when I turned fourteen. I received a letter a month from then until I was almost eighteen years old.

“Where are our letters, Gaster?” I ask.

“That, child, I do not know, but we will find out. I’ll go and speak with her and her boys while you all get settled in. Come out when you’re ready,” he says cheerily, gives my head a kiss, then makes his way out of the ward with hurried steps.

“I’m so fucking confused,” Draken says, running his hands through his hair, huffing so forcefully, smoke blows from his nose.

“What’s there to be confused about, dragon? Our uncle was tasked with laying the pieces set forth by Elementra. That’s why he was granted the gift of sight. His dutiful meddling started with Willow’s mom, then his duty became Willow. Elementra blessed them with aGuardriabond because she needed the guidance and love of someone from this realm to prepare her for the shit show she was setting her up for. He also had to lay all the pieces for not only us but every single person in our lives so we’d be ready for her arrival. Mom got to have a closer relationship with her because Willow wasn’t allowed to know about her mom, probably for protection from saying anything to her father, and she needed a female role model. What don’t you get?” Caspian’s words are straightforward, cold.

A lump forms in my throat at hearing it. The matter-of-fact tone doesn’t hide the hurt and sense of abandonment laced within. His emotions speak louder than his words, though, and they’re confusing. His understanding of the entire situation is clear. Out of everyone, he seems to be the most understanding, but nonetheless, he’s very upset with his uncle.

---