Quarn held a hand out for the stone. At the last second before it left my hands, I realized I didn’t want to part with it. Despite my hesitation, I released it. We were out of time; I was surprised the Gangers weren’t back already.
“I do not know if this will work. My aim is to open a doorway, long enough for two energies to cross. Then it will close. No one will be able to follow and you will not be able to return.”
I grabbed his arm and, yes, may have stomped my foot like a child.
“Why only two? How many ways do I have to tell you? I’m not leaving without Lucy.”
He stepped away, dispelling my hand. “No, Aribella, it is I who cannot leave.” His demeanor changed. “There’s something I can’t ... won’t leave yet. The time-frame has been accelerated.”
He seemed oddly vulnerable in that moment; the normal piercing of his blue eyes were dulled. I would have pried further, but a sense of panic consumed me.
“How will we survive without you? We have no idea what we’re doing.”
“You’re stronger than you think, Aribella. Don’t doubt your instincts; I have seen them serve you well on these streets. The same skills are required when you step through the door.”
Lucy grabbed my arm. “Abby’s been there before, Quarn.” She tugged on my arm. “You haven’t told him about the forest incident.”
Oh, right. There might be some significance or wisdom he could impart.
“The day after we met, I came back to this alley to find you. This crazy pain, like knives carving into my skull, struck, and when I opened my eyes I was in the ‘royal forest’...” I trailed the last word. “Does that mean anything to you?”
Quarn gripped my other arm, pulling me closer. Lucy wasn’t budging, so her tiny frame flew through the air as she was dragged along.
“What happened there? Did you meet anyone?”
He was intense, waiting in great anticipation for my answer.
“Well, there were two people there. Someone named Lucas, who I didn’t meet, and Brace. He ... uh ... crashed into me in the forest.”
Confusion crossed his features. “I don’t understand, Aribella. Of all the people that could have drawn you there, people far more important, why was it Brace?”
“I don’t know.” My words were quiet. “But Brace and Lallielle are the two from my dreams.”
Quarn shook his head. “There must be a connection there. Something I do not know.” He looked uneasy. “You need to tread cautiously with Brace. I know his father, but that family has always struck me as odd ... unnatural.”
“Probably Brace’s sexy hotness. From Abby’s description, that’s unnatural.” Lucy turned to look at me. “Kind of like Abby’s hotness.”
“Luce, shut your trap.”
She saluted me. “Yes, your majesty.”
Quarn shook his head. “How did you know, Lucy, the sexy-hotness of Brace is always the first thing on my mind.” He said this in a complete deadpan voice.
I spluttered out my laughter. Quarn’s sense of humor was always unexpected.
Lucy nodded, as if she was not surprised.
“And Lucas is the Emperor’s son. He is the last of his line. That might be important information for you,” Quarn finished on a more serious note.
I looked at Lucy. “We are so screwed.”
She nodded.
I felt a great sadness. Examining Quarn’s weathered features, I sighed. “Will I see you again?”
“I don’t think your time in New York is finished, miqueriona.” He nodded respectfully.
It was so old-fashioned, I couldn’t help but smile.
Cradling the stone in his hands, Quarn stepped away, and within seconds his lips were moving, the words quietly spoken. All I knew: he wasn’t speaking English.
A shimmer like a thousand fireflies descending in sync to form a veil set the alley wall alight. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared.
Quarn shook his head, his lips moving even faster, the intensity building.
It started slowly this time, like a whirly-wind building up strength.
The misty glow fell over the alley again, and this time it stuck. I stared in fascination at the beauty of the shining wall.
“It’s just like those old Christmas trees covered in fairy lights,” Lucy whispered in awe.
I nodded, captivated, unwilling to move.
Quarn moved closer, disturbing my love-fest. “Safe journey, little ones. Find Lallielle. She will help you to embrace your destiny.”
He zipped the stone into my pack and, stepping around, faced me. His blue eyes were surprisingly gentle, his stern features softened, as he leaned down and laid a kiss on my forehead. Tears pricked my eyes, but with a deep breath I kept them at bay.