The Iron Butterfly (Iron Butterfly #1)(74)

“Thalia, we need to go!” Bearen called out. Nodding my head to him in understanding, I turned back to Joss.

“Please tell Avina and Berry that I’m sorry I didn’t get to say goodbye, and tell Garit I will keep practicing everything he taught me.”

“What about me?” he asked. “What would you have liked to say to me?” He looked at me intently.

“Joss, you saved me and you are one of the most important people in my life right now. I will never forget you.”

“It sounds like you’re saying a permanent goodbye.” He looked angry and hurt at the same time.

Fox Fur move forward again and grabbed Faraway’s reins to get him turned in the right direction so we could get going, but Faraway violently jerked his head in protest and almost unsaddled Fox Fur from his horse.

Bearen had waited all he cared to, and started the horses toward the Citadel’s gate. Faraway could do nothing but follow as he was trapped in the middle of the pack. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw Joss standing there looking after me, and I waved goodbye.

It was not how I imagined leaving. I desperately wanted to turn around and run back and tell him how I really felt. But I didn’t, I couldn’t. My heart felt heavy and as we passed through the gates, turned onto a side road and headed toward the Shadow Mountains, toward home, toward answers.




About the Author

Chanda Hahn takes her experience as a children's pastor, children's librarian and bookseller to write compelling and popular fiction for teens. She was born in Seattle, WA, grew up in Nebraska and currently resides in Portland, Oregon with her husband and their twin children; Aiden and Ashley.