not one to make himself look bad before others, he nods and answers “aye” in his gruff baritone.
And then it’s back to me. I’m breathless, the crown trembling in my hands—at once, I know what I’m to do with it.
With hands that hardly feel like my own, I send it crashing to the ground. The ivory-plated bones shatter into a thousand pieces, and with it goes everything I’ve ever known. Every day of my life so far.
But it’s also the start of a new life. Not only for Visidia, but for me.
Perhaps Mother will be Arida’s adviser. I’ll help them get started, but I won’t be in charge. My job is done, and my future belongs to the sea.
I don’t realize how hard I’m breathing until I pull my gaze from the shattered bones to my people. They’re no longer standing. Each and every one of them is on their knees, heads bowed, cracking any remaining resolve I was desperately trying to withhold.
This is more than I deserve, but I don’t have it in me to stop them.
“Thank you,” I tell them through the tears I finally let fall, coming hot and fast. Our troubles are not yet over. A new Visidia is on the horizon, and with it comes a foreign new future we’ll have to figure out. Together.
It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. Visidia’s future begins now.
“Thank you for allowing me to be your queen.”
EPILOGUE
This day is made for sailing.
Balmy spring air bloats the sails, and I tip my head back to savor its breeze.
Bastian stands behind me at the helm, gathering breaths of the briny air with a grin spread wide across his face. “Where to?” His eyes burn brightly enough to challenge the stars themselves. “To challenge the Lusca to a rematch? Hike the trails of Suntosu? Drink ourselves silly in the taverns of Ikae?”
I brush my fingers against the grainy wood of the deck, trying to memorize everything about this moment, from the mist brushing against my skin to the words Bastian speaks. I lean into them, letting myself imagine the adventures that await us.
Imagine learning to alter my appearance in Mornute. Imagine sailing to Valuka so that Azami can teach me how to create a dragon made from water. Imagine spending time with Ephra in Kerost, learning to change the ways my body interacts with time as we rebuild the island.
The world is open to me now, and so are its magics. And I intend to learn them all.
A whisper of winter’s memory rests in the cool air, and I shift to pull my coat around myself and sink into my comfort. But as I adjust, something in my coat crinkles and draws my attention. I reach into my pocket, to a small, folded sheet of parchment that’s been tucked away inside.
Bastian’s still listing off all the places we should visit—Shanty in Ikae, across the sea to finally see Suntosu, and even to find a way to reach the clouds so that we might chase the legendary kingdom rumored to exist upon them. But his words are drowned out as I peel back the edges of the parchment. It’s folded so tightly that I’m careful not to rip it, even despite my trembling hands. Though I try to calm them, they won’t stop even as I hold the parchment open before me.
Amora,
If you’re reading this, know first that I’m sorry. I knew from the moment I saw Nelly’s memories that this is what had to be done. Visidia needs to be free, and it’s up to you to get it there.
So I’m sorry for what I had to do. But if I’m right, I’m glad to know you won’t remember any of it. And if I’m wrong, well, I suppose I owe you an explanation. They say you must offer what you love most to get what you most want, and I can’t think of anything I love more than the time I’ve spent with all of you. My crew.
I’d be lying if I said I don’t want you to remember me, but this is for the best. You don’t need to mourn anyone else; I don’t want you to. All I want is for you and Visidia to finally have the freedom you deserve.
So take my gift, and be happy for it. But in return, you must do two things for me:
First, do what’s best for Visidia. Tell them the truth. Free soul magic for yourself and everyone.
Second, be