Page 62 of I Am the Storm

"I know the one you're talking about, but no. I haven't seen it," Liam says.

Huh. It must have fallen off when my powers went all supernova.

I feel a sinking loss at that, at this one little piece I had of Cole. Despite my feelings for him being complicated, I can't change the bond we have. I can't pretend it doesn't exist, even within my hurt and anger.

Because when I think back to what he's gone through. From early childhood abuse into the adulthood that removed him from his life and family, I can see how he ended up where he did. Who's to say any of us would have acted any differently in the same circumstances.

Liam helps me downstairs and Matilda has food and wine waiting in the sitting room for me, and blood for Lilith, of course. I'm surprised to see she's brought someone with her. The cat girl from the Collector's party.

Lilith stands when I enter, then rushes to help me get seated. "What happened to you?" she asks. "You're as pale as…well, me."

"It's a long story," I say, taking a plate of food.

I glance at the girl and smile. "You look well… er, I realize I don't know your name. I'm Eve."

She nods. "I'm Sasha. Thank you. For…everything. Lilith told me what you did for me."

I direct a questioning look to Lilith, who shrugs. "She didn't have anywhere to go, so I took her in. I figured I could use a protégé. I have many businesses in this world and the mundane and no heirs. This seemed a perfect fit for us both."

I grin and offer the girl a plate of fresh bread and berries, which she accepts.

"That makes me incredibly happy," I say. "And the other matter?"

"Yes, the favor you asked of me," Lilith says with a devious smile. "It's been handled. The Collector has found himself indisposed for the foreseeable future."

"And there's no chance of him escaping or being found?" I ask. I may have crossed a line, asking Lilith to find a place the Collector could serve the prison sentence he deserves. But isn't this justice? Letting him go free to enslave and hurt others wouldn't have served anyone.

I've realized about myself two things since all that's happened with Cole and with who I thought was Adam. One: I've got a lot more darkness in me than I wanted to admit. And two: it's okay. I can use that darkness. I don't have to stay within the lines to feel morally comfortable with my decisions, but I can't act out of vengeance and I can't kill unless I'm actively defending myself or someone else. My choices have to be just, even if they aren't always lawful.

It's an ambitious line that not all would agree with, but it's what feels right to me, at least for now.

"He will never be found or escape, of that you have my word," Lilith says. "Would you like me to take you to him so you can see for yourself?"

"No, though I appreciate the offer. I actually have something else I need to deal with right now. And I trust you."

Lilith stands. "Very well then, I must be off. But stay in touch, Eve. I truly enjoy our friendship, and despite having lived longer than almost anyone, I can't actually call many people 'friend.'"

Her words touch me. Deeply. I stand and hug her. "I value this as well," I say. "And I'll pay a visit soon. Once the dust settles with all this stolen egg business."

Lilith's eyes widen and she reaches into her bag. "That reminds me. I was asked to deliver this to you."

She hands me a scroll, sealed with a dragon mark. I break the wax and read. "It's from Ava'Kara. She wants to meet with me later today. Alone." I look up at Lilith. "Do you know what this is about?"

"I haven't got a clue," she says, "but I wouldn't be late if I were you."

Once they leave, I head to my room and stand before the mantle, staring at my brother's urn. Funny that I never got rid of it once I thought he was alive. Maybe a part of me always knew it wasn't really Adam visiting me. But like Cole said, we see what we want to. I wanted to believe Adam was alive. I wanted to believe I hadn't lost my brother forever.

I take the urn and walk outside. Moon follows close behind. Sebastian notices me leaving but sees what I'm holding and doesn't interfere.

My strength is returning to me faster than I expected. The potion must have helped. I feel strong enough to make the walk I need to. Beyond our property, just past a grove of trees, is the shoreline for the only ocean on this world. I saw it on a map and have been wanting to visit but haven't had time.

Today I'm making time.

Today I'm going to finally say goodbye to my brother.

With Moon the only witness, I stand on the shore, overlooking the horizon, where the deep purples of the Dragon's Breath dance over the waters that ebb and flow. I take off my shoes and let my toes sink into the wet sand, the salty water covering them with each tide.

As tears flow down my cheek, I taste the salt of them on my lips, I realize we are all made of the ocean. Salt and water and tides and depth and mystery and wonder. And so, I return my brother to the watery arms of the sea, to be held by her.