The tension at the dinner table hadn't eased. Though the earlier revelations about my marks and abilities had settled somewhat, I could still feel the weight of everyone's eyes on me. Ulrik, ever the commanding presence, ate his meal with calm precision, his gaze occasionally flicking toward me as though measuring something unseen.
Emery sat quietly beside me, her hands clutching her cup tightly. Her usual sharp comments and energy were absent, replaced by a contemplative silence that made my chest ache.
As the plates were cleared away, Ulrik set his utensils down and leaned back in his chair. The scrape of his chair against the stone floor drew everyone's attention.
"Logan," he said, his deep voice cutting through the quiet, "you're coming with me."
---
I blinked, taken aback. "What?"
"You're too talented to stay here," Ulrik continued, his tone leaving no room for argument. "What you are, what you've become—it requires proper training, proper guidance, and protection. You won't get that here."
Rorik folded his arms, leaning against the wall. "Ulrik's right," he said gruffly. "I've taught you what I can, but this is beyond me."
"But—" I started, my protest catching in my throat.
Ulrik held up a hand to silence me. "This isn't a choice, boy. You have too much potential to waste. And if you stay here, you'll put this farm—and everyone on it—at risk."
His words hit hard, the weight of them settling in my chest. I glanced at Emery, whose face was pale, her eyes wide.
"When are we leaving?" I asked finally, my voice subdued.
"The day after tomorrow," Ulrik replied. "Vidal and I will prepare what's necessary. Until then, say your goodbyes."
---
Dinner ended shortly after, the room heavy with unspoken words. Rorik and Inga stayed behind to clean up, while Ulrik and Vidal retreated to their quarters. Emery and I climbed the stairs in silence, the creak of the wooden steps the only sound between us.
When we reached my room, I hesitated, turning to her. "Are you okay?"
Her lip quivered, and she shook her head. "No, Logan. I'm not okay."
She stepped inside and sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the floor. "You're leaving," she said quietly, her voice breaking.
I closed the door and sat beside her. "I don't want to leave you, Emery. But you heard Ulrik—it's not safe for me to stay here. And if I don't go, I won't get stronger."
She nodded, tears welling in her eyes. "I know you have to go. I know it's what's best for you. But... I hate it. I hate that you have to leave me behind."
---
Her words broke something inside me. I reached out, gently taking her hand. "I don't want to leave you behind," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "But this is the only way I can protect you. If I stay the way I am now, I won't be able to keep you safe."
Emery sniffled, wiping her tears with her free hand. "Promise me something, Logan."
"Anything," I said without hesitation.
"Promise me you'll come back," she said, her voice trembling. "And promise me you won't forget me."
I cupped her cheek, forcing her to look at me. "I'll never forget you, Emery. I'll come back. Stronger. For you."
She leaned into me, her arms wrapping around my neck as she buried her face in my shoulder. "I don't know what I'd do without you," she whispered.
"You'll be okay," I said, holding her tightly. "You're stronger than you think."
---
When Emery finally left my room, I lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. My thoughts were a storm of uncertainty and fear, but one thing was clear—I had to do this. For her. For both of us.
---
I couldn't sleep.
I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind racing. The thought of Logan leaving was unbearable, but I knew he was right—he needed to go. He needed to grow stronger, to become the protector I knew he could be.
But where did that leave me?
Tears welled in my eyes as I thought about how helpless I felt. Every time Logan fought, I stood on the sidelines, useless. Every time he pushed himself to the brink, I could do nothing but watch.
I hated it.
---
Curling up under the blanket, I closed my eyes, silently praying.
Please, I thought, my heart aching. Please let me go through the changing. I can't stay like this. I can't let him leave me behind.
The warmth of hope flickered faintly in my chest as I drifted into restless sleep.