Free Eternal Promise (Between Worlds Book 3) by Talia Jager Page A

this morning helped me realize I need to let go of the guilt I feel. I can’t change what happened and I can’t change what’s coming. I can’t let the guilt bring me down. I have to stop feeling guilty and be in the present.”
    “Sounds like you’ve been deep in thought.”
    “I have,” I agreed.
    “Figure anything else out?”
    “I’m in love with Kallan. Completely. I worry that you won’t…approve? Love me?”
    “Oh, love, that’s not a problem. I knew the first time I saw you two together. You have a love like no other.” Slowly she put her arm around me like she wasn’t sure I’d be okay with it. To show her I was, I leaned into her. I felt her arm relax around me.
    “Do you think others will come around?”
    “Yes. I know it’s hard with some of the faeries right now, but give it time.”
    “That’s what Kallan said too.”
    “An Aurorian faery is very important to the fey. You will rule the realm. Some are unsure because you haven’t been prepared for it. They’re worried you won’t know what to do, but I know you will.”
    “Thank you for having such faith in me.”
    “Look at this field and tell me how I can’t.”
    Glancing at the flowers, I smiled. If I could make flowers grow, I could do anything. Right? “You will teach me what I need to know?”
    “Of course.” She gave me a squeeze.
    I found the time I spent with Azura pleasant. The feelings of anger, confusion, and abandonment had been replaced with love as I got to know her.
    That evening after dinner, we relaxed in the living room, talking. She was brushing my hair.
    “How did your dad die?” I asked.
    Azura reached beside her and picked up a photo book. She turned to a page and showed me a picture of Móraí, Lorella, Violet, Nessa, herself, and a man with great white and red wings. “He was on duty at a toxic site, trying to figure out what was happening and heal the land, when he cut himself and the toxin entered his body.”
    “How awful! Why couldn’t he be healed?”
    “He went alone. By the time he was found, he was long gone.”
    Well that just sucked. “I’m sorry.”
    “He would have adored you.”
    I glanced down at the picture. He looked kind. “I wish I could’ve known him.”
    “I’m sorry.” Azura covered her face and cried.
    “Don’t be. I understand.” I put my arm around her.
    After the tears stopped, we said goodnight and I curled up in my bed.
     
    I was alone, walking in the forest. The vivid colors told me I was in the faery realm. Someone was approaching me, but it was foggy and I couldn’t see who it was.
    “Oleander,” the voice said.
    The faery came into view. Her wings were white with a shimmering pink running through them. Her platinum blonde hair was pulled back to show off her glowing face—a star-like mark near one of her eyes.
    “Are you an Aurorian?” I asked.
    “I am.”
    “Aren’t you dead?”
    “I am.”
    “Am I dead?” I panicked.
    “No.”
    My mind raced with questions, but I wasn’t sure which to ask first.
    “I’m only here to tell you to find a blue lace agate stone.”
    “A what?”
    “Blue lace agate stone,” she repeated slower.
    “Why? What do I need that for?”
    She just smiled before stepping backwards and disappearing.
    I heard a knock. My eyes popped open. I was in my room at Azura’s. But I had just been in the forest. Hadn’t I? It must have been a dream, although it certainly felt very real. There was another knock. “Come in,” I called, sitting up.
    The door opened and Azura walked in. “Kallan is downstairs. Shall I send him up?”
    “Yes, please.”
    She disappeared and a minute later Kallan walked in. “Good morning, beautiful.” He sat down on the bed next to me and looked at me sideways. “You okay?”
    “Weird dream. I think it was a dream anyway.”
    “Want to tell me about it?” he probed.
    “It was of another Aurorian. She told me to find a blue lace agate stone. Does that mean anything to you?”
    “We take