Page 33 of Binding Fate

“I know.” His mouth tightened. “I’m going to miss you too. I have something for you, though.”

“What is it?” she asked, sniffling.

“Something to help you remember our friendship. As long as you keep this, you’ll always be in my heart,” he said as he pushed her hair behind her ears.

Alzerion turned around and rummaged in his bag. He knew it was in there. He felt the metal brush against his fingertips.Yes. All eyes were on him, and then he looked back at Aironell. He opened his hands, and there was an ornate necklace. The Lost Hope. Alzerion looked at it as he put it on Aironell and knew how much it almost cost his life trying to flee with the necklace. It would take much more than a beating for someone to take it from him.

The necklace was said to give the wearer more power. Alzerion knew he wanted her to have it, hoping it might keep her safe. He knew she would need a power boost.

Despite those reasons, Alzerion had another reason for wanting Aironell to have it. It was in fact a gift from him. It was his gift to Aironell the day that she was born. It was a family heirloom, and he could not think of a better person to give it to. Now, looking at her, he saw a bright future for all of Bachusa. Once he clasped it around her neck, he took a step back. Airon looked down, touched it, and smiled.

“Thank you,” she said sweetly. “It’s pretty.”

“Of course,” Alzerion replied with a smile.

“I really like it, but I’m confused.”

Alzerion’s forehead creased as he tilted his head. “Confused about what?”

“Well, it looks like someone broke it on you,” she said staring down at it. “It is in half.”

He couldn’t help but to laugh. “ No, Airon, this is how it’s supposed to look. You see, the necklace is symbolic, and I have the other half right here.”

As he explained that to her, he pulled out his half from underneath his own shirt so that she could see that he did in fact have the other half. As he did that, Isabella and Daniel smiled wide. Alzerion knew that they understood.

Then Airon said matter-of-factly, “Well, I guess if I’m in your heart then you’re in mine too.”

“I guess so,” Alzerion agreed with a chuckle.

Then he gave Aironell one last hug. “I’m sure we will meet again someday.”

Next, he hugged Isabella and shook Daniel’s hand before leaving. He grabbed his bags and walked to the front door, taking one last glance at the room, and more importantly, the people in it.

As much as he would love to come and see them soon, like he said. He knew that was not going to happen. It pained him to know that he lied to Aironell, but someday when she was old enough to return home, she would see him again.

With those somber thoughts, he forced a smile and waved goodbye, exiting out the front door. When he left, he wandered to an alley and then disappeared in a puff of red smoke back to Bachusa.

THE FILL-IN

A

lzerion entered the palace and walked to the family room. There, he found the king and queen chatting away. He watched them for a brief moment and saw how miserable they looked, and it troubled him. Then he took a deep breath, put down his bag, and walked into the room.

“Your Majesties, is everything alright?” he said with a deepened voice. He quickly glanced between them.

“Alzerion!” exclaimed Queen Evalyn. “We were worried sick. Where have you been?”

“It’s a long story, my queen,” he responded as he strolled into the room and sat in the armchair nearest them on the couch.

“Well, we insist that you start from the beginning, and don’t leave anything out.” King Francisco’s voice boomed. His eyes were firm as they watched him.

“It started two months ago, when I was walking on one of the back roads. You see, I found the necklace the Lost Hope, and I was looking at it as I was walking. There were these people who got the better of me, you know, they attacked me. They thought I had something of value for them. Anyway, they probably would have killed me if I didn’t manage to use my magic and disappear.”

“Oh my, I’m so sorry, Alzerion,” said the queen sadly. “I wish there was something we could have done. I can’t believe you found the necklace. Is it safe? How did you survive if you fled while still very hurt?”

“It’s alright, my queen. The necklace is fine, and I survived because of you two. Indirectly, of course.”

“How so? What do you mean?” asked the king.

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