Page 69 of Draekora

“But how am I supposed to know if I’m doing the right thing?”

“That’s not something you’ll ever know. All you can do is live in the moment and choose not to worry about what the future may bring. Don’t waste today by fearing tomorrow, for tomorrow will come whether you’re ready for it or not.”

Repeating those encouraging words in her mind, Alex finally said, “I think I’m ready to go back to Meya now.”

Without having to say more, a new doorway appeared.

Alex took a step forward but hesitated. “Will I be back here again? While I’m in the past, I mean?”

“You can visit me whenever you need,” the Library said. “But remember, I am always with you, even beyond these walls.”

“So… that’s a ‘yes’ to the stalker Library, but a ‘no’ to the coming back here anytime soon?”

The Library chuckled. “Until next time, Alexandra.”

Knowing a dismissal when she heard one, Alex shook her head with a slight smile and stepped through the doorway, landing inside a familiar mushroom-circled forest clearing.

“And I’m back to where it all started,” Alex whispered, glancing around Raelia as the doorway disappeared behind her.

“You certainly took your time.”

Alex jumped as a silhouette approached her in the dark. The moon was hidden behind the clouds, so the only identifier was his voice.

“Aven! What—um—” Alex squeaked. “Why are you out here?”

She couldn’t help her suddenly racing heart. Despite her mission to befriend him, it was only a few moments ago that she’d witnessed him murder her friends and family.

“I heard Grandfather invited you to that school of his,” Aven answered, moving close enough that Alex could see the outline of his features. “I figured he wouldn’t be able to resist showing youSoraya de lah Torra, and rather than traverse back here using theValispath, it was likely you’d return through one of theeidenpaths.” Aven shrugged, trying to play off his waiting presence as nothing. “The Library doesn’t open its doorways any closer to the city than here. I thought I’d meet you and accompany you back to the palace.”

He looked uncomfortable, like he was embarrassed, though Alex couldn’t imagine why. “That’s very thoughtful of you, Aven. Thank you.”

His mouth quirked up at the corner. “I’ll admit, my actions weren’t entirely altruistic.”

Alex raised her eyebrows. “How so?”

He rolled his shoulders as if shaking off tension. “I needed some fresh air after dinner. It was… difficult, sitting there and keeping my thoughts to myself.”

Alex asked the question she’d wondered earlier that night. “Then why did you?”

Aven’s tone was dry when he replied, “I figured it best to avoid another yelling match with my father, especially since the council was there.”

Against her better judgement, Alex said, “It sounded to me like some of them would have taken your side.”

Aven cocked his head. “And what side is that, Aeylia?”

Wow, foot in mouth, much?Alex thought, mentally regrouping. She sent him a teasing grin and said, “If you don’t know, then you’ve got more problems than you think.”

He chuckled lightly and stepped closer, activating theValispatharound them. “Come on, let’s get you home.”

Zooming through the Silverwood, Aven didn’t speak, which suited Alex perfectly given her distracted thoughts. It was only when they stopped outside her bedroom that he broke his silence.

“Thank you, Aeylia.”

Alex looked up at him, surprised. “What for?”

“For not judging me. For not telling me what I should think or what I should believe. For not forcing your opinions on me when I know you disagree with where I stand.”

Seeing that he was waiting for a response, Alex carefully said, “What right do I have to make you believe anything? At the end of the day, your values are your own. No one should tell you how to feel.” She meant every word she’d said, despite wishing for the opposite.

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