The Crow King's Wife(59)

“Or something worse. The point I am making is if we are going to give Legacy your dream then we have to accept what we have and do everything we can to prepare. We are close now, Jala, but if we don’t continue we won’t have the strength to protect what you build.” Finn smiled at her again, and she felt her own fragile smile form in response.

“The hardest part of that plan is letting you go completely.” Jala admitted softly.

“Don’t let me go, Jala. Accept that there are different forms of love. I’ve had longer to adjust to that idea since time passes differently in the Darklands. I still love you, but I’ve set aside my need to be close to you. I knew it wasn’t possible so I faced it and accepted that you would always be on the other side, but it wouldn’t stop me from supporting you in every way I’m allowed. I am the Guardian and you are the angel, working together we can pull this off and save everyone that likely doesn’t deserve the effort or the suffering we are enduring on their behalf.” He squeezed her hands as he spoke and she felt her smile grow in response.

“The world is utter shit, Finn and I feel like the entire thing is sitting on my shoulders.” Jala returned with a heavy sigh but the bitterness was gone from her voice.

“It is, but you are strong enough to support it, Lady Bendazzi.” Finn said with a wink. He stood slowly and pulled her to her feet before releasing her hands grudgingly. “You get the Immortals in line, and I will handle the Aspects. By the time the council comes around Sanctuary will know peace.” He promised.

“I will do what I can.” Jala agreed with slight nod. She knew he was about to leave, but she forced herself to remain calm. There was a part of her that was screaming for her to cling to him, but she silenced it without a second thought. He had come to terms with their fate, and it was her turn to face the truth. He had lied, but as he said it was for the best. For months she had been eaten with guilt, and kicking herself for not seeing the truth sooner, and in under an hour Finn had banished it all. He was right. There was no other path they could have followed that would have ended happily. The one they were on could, if she could hold it all together. She wouldn’t have Finn beside her, but Legacy would have a world of peace to grow in and a childhood that he could look back on and smile about.

Finn took a step closer and kissed her gently on the forehead. Silently he stepped back once more and placed a hand under her chin tilting her head upward just enough to stare into her eyes. “Thank you, Jala. Thank you for every time you have saved me, and thank you for doing everything you have done to save everyone else. You are and always will be my moral compass, and whenever you doubt yourself in the future remember that. Promise me one thing though before I go.”

“What’s that?” Jala asked quietly. She could feel tears stinging at her eyes once again, but it wasn’t the painful grief she had been bottling inside so long. It was sadness, but it was also a form of healing. She knew once these tears ran out that a weight would be off of her chest and it was possible that she would be able to see the path forward again.

“Promise me you will remember that you aren’t standing alone up here. I may not be beside you, but the others are and they love you as much as I do. Valor, Vaze, Sovann, Wisp, Jail, and Neph, They are always there to support you all you have to do is turn to them.” Finn said.

“You forgot Shade.” Jala pointed out through a sniffle.

“I meant to forget Shade. I don’t like Shade.” Finn replied with a faint smile.

“Shade is the one that suggested I talk to you. I knew I should, but I was afraid to.” Jala added and wiped her face with the back of her hand.

“Fine then, I’ll include Shade. My point is that while the world may be sitting on your shoulders right now, you have friends that will help you bear the weight if you allow them to.” Finn said as he took a step back from her and lowered his hand from her chin.

“Do you have that in your life, Finn? Do you have anyone to brace you?” Jala asked before he had a chance to take another step. She didn’t want him to be alone, and just knowing that he wasn’t would ease her mind further.

“I have my Grandfather, and a few others I can turn to. I’m not alone Jala, and I’m not suffering. I know what I’m doing is necessary and that eases the burden.” He smiled at her and winked again. “My shoulders are pretty sturdy too, Jala. I am strong enough to face the road ahead, and if I ever find myself at an utter loss I know I have someone up here that will listen and help me through it.”