Page 66 of Pieces of Halves

I keep my composure and don’t bust out laughing. I did not peg Jorgan as the jealous type. Enya, on the other hand, lets out an unlady-like snort.

“Oh!” He heaves with a laugh. “My condolences to you.” She reaches across the table and places her hand over Jona’s.

“That’s what I keep hearing.” Jona awkwardly clears his throat and sighs.

“If there’s anything I can do for you, let me know.” Izzy offers him a sympathetic smile.

Rumors about the fairy princess of the mountain kingdom are not great. They say she is wild and unpredictable. At times manipulative. Heartless. I pity Jona, but he did not have to agree.

After the meeting, everyone files out of the oversized room. Enya’s eyes lock on my black ring, her head tilting so I squint my eyes at her. The woman is weird – beautiful in a unique way, but strange.

“Where did you get that?” she asks, snapping her eyes up.

“It was a gift. Why?” I ask suspiciously.

“Is Tengu in there?” Her voice softens. Taken aback, for a second, I don’t know what to say. “Was your father’s name Briar?” A knowing smile forms on her face.

“Yes,” I croak out, the memory of my father resurfacing.

That is a lot of personal information she knows about me.

“That is his brother’s ring. Well, half-brother’s. I don’t know where he is these days. Funny how small the world is.” She chuckles humorously.

My father never mentioned a brother, or any family for that matter. I just always assumed he had none.

“How did you know them?” The question feels heavy.

“They were both fay of shadow,” she starts. I jerk my head back from the shocking information. My father was a fay? “I met them during a celebration of sorts. Your uncle showed me the ring after he took a few substances that maybe he shouldn’t have.” She laughs and looks down at the stone on my finger, her face softening. “He loved his nephew, but he had these voices that never let him be at peace. I guess it was his way of showing you his love – giving you a companion.”

A longing to know a family tugs at my chest. I am curious about who the man might be. Maybe someday I will venture to find him. After I heal from the damage my mother caused me. Right now, I want to focus on finding peace with Izzy by my side.

“Thank you for telling me about him,” I tell her with a small smile.

Enya nods with a somber look in her eyes, leaving Izzy and me alone.

“Are you okay?” Izzy asks as she slides her fingers through mine, her delicate touch bringing me back.

Her gaze is soft, and the proximity of her body makes me feel complete. Leaning in, I press my lips against hers, warmth filling my soul. She deepens the kiss, and a soft moan escapes her mouth. She is enough. She is all the family I need.

Epilogue.

ISABELLA

Three months later…

he sun is setting as I make my way through the forest, a pencil and a sketchbook in my hand. After the battle with Sofia’s followers, when things settled, it did not take too much convincing to get Jorgan to agree to share the throne with me. The man gladly obliged. For now, I am playing the role as we transition into a new era. A treaty between the vampires and demons has already been made. Some did not like the idea, but I think the majority is glad. The fire Faries are slowly coming around as well.

Squatting in front of a green oval leaf, I inspect it and draw every little detail I notice. Since Jorgan is sharing the load of my duties – doing most of it – I hired a secret tutor for my studiesof plants. It is only my second week and my first assignment in the woods. The professor's, Kaito’s, instructions were to find five different plants, draw them, and describe everything I notice. Not a hard task, but I am excited.

Jacob bought an old tavern on the beach, so it has been a few days since I last saw him. The building needs a lot of work, and I am sure he is enjoying creating his space with it. When he first saw it, his face lit up. I am thrilled he found something that makes him so happy, and I cannot wait to see the changes he will make.

There is nothing special about this little plant. Well, nothing special about its appearance, but if I am correct, this isSanguinaria canadensis, also known as bloodroot. Some believe it to be medicinal.

My spine tingles, and I feel a presence – as if someone is watching. It’s the same sensation I had for the past few weeks when in the forest, but every time I look around, there is no one. Even when I use my vampire abilities, I can’t hear anyone. It’s as if it’s a force lingering and watching.

I don’t bother looking up, fully aware I won’t find anyone. Someday, I will catch whoever it may be. Enya says it’s the witches – they can invade the mind of a bird or an animal if they are powerful enough. The only witch I know in my country is Anna, but she wouldn’t do something like this. My spies do not suspect any witch activity as well.

Still, if the witches got the power of the burned followers, there will be more coming. Closing my eyes, I feel for any birds. As one might expect, there are a lot of them in the forest, but a hawk sitting a few feet above me catches my attention.

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