Clutching a bunch of flowers in one hand, I walked hand in hand with Luca into the woods.
Upon reaching the clearing, we paid our respects to the spirit tree before walking past it to the other side, where flat, white stones were assembled on top of several grass-covered mounds in the earth.
It was where the natives buried their dead. I followed Luca near the edge where a young oak tree grew, the only tree aside from the spirit tree that grew within the clearing.
Luca knelt beside the young tree and laid a small wooden tablet against the base of its trunk. Crouching beside him, I placed the flowers beside the tablet. Etched on the tablet were nine names — the names of each of my royal guards, including Storm.
Luca and I agreed that this was the last time we'd revisit the past. Because we wouldn't have reached this point if it weren't for them. It was in no way a fair trade, but their sacrifices gave us a chance to start a new life together.
