Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

Kas’s POV

I wake up in the morning feeling stiff and sore. I slide out of bed with a groan and look in the mirror. Even more than yesterday, I don't recognize the reflection I see. Pale skin with dark bags below my eyes. All the violet from my irises is gone, replaced by a gray so light, it could be mistaken for white. I gently run a brush through my brittle, thinning hair. It is no longer gray and glittery. It's turned into a dull shade of white that matches my eyes.

I put on a loose dress and a heavy long cardigan to hide the joints protruding from all my angles before I go out to address my sisters for one last time before escorting them to Kardia tou Manae.

When I first met Lenora, bruises from my nose being broken upset her. What she would think now at my self- imposed deterioration. I turn to the side and admire my growing belly. I let myself smile when I feel the impatient little kicks coming from inside.

I spend time with each team of sisters and make sure they are still on board with the plan before I introduce the Mavri Magea they have agreed to help rehabilitate. Most of the Mavri Magea are grateful for the opportunity. Some are indifferent and others, as expected, are defiant. I create a portal and take each group to the Kardia tou Manae apartment we assigned them to and show them around the common areas they will use as they see fit. I give them instructions on how to come and go from the facility and place protective spells over everyone before I go.

When it comes time for Desiree and Leticia to meet their new support teams, I sit with them in their rooms and carefully explain my expectations as their Leader. After I'm certain they won't cause any problems, I remove the hexes so Desiree can speak again and give Leticia her mouth back.

“Kas, what if there’s no hope for me,” Leticia cries into my shoulder, reluctant to go with her new team of sisters.

“Leticia, I have faith in you. Mother would not have sent me on this quest if she didn’t think there was hope for you,” I embrace her and pat her back, “No one is saying it's going to be easy, but I know you can do it. Hopefully, when I come to visit, you will show me a ton of progress. Make me proud to be called your Leader.”

She wipes her tears away and looks me over, “I can't believe what this has done to you, Kas. If you change your mind and want me to use my abilities, I’m sure I can help you.”

“No thank you, Leticia. I have accepted my fate for this lifetime. My physical appearance is only a small part of who I am. My spirit will heal and that’s what's important.”

After leaving the last group in Kardia tou Manae, I portal back to the apartment and sit on the sofa.

“Well, old friend. Your work is done,” I look around and address the eerily quiet apartment directly, “You have done a good job and I thank you. I have one more spark of magic in me. You can rest now.”

and cracking of wood and the popping of nails as the apartment closes in on itself from the far corners. When I see the edges of the sitting room disintegrating, I create one

kk

sees me standing on the other side of the front gate to Blood River's

making sure my cloak doesn’t expose my frail features

Luna, I’m so sorry. Of course. I...we thought...I mean...I just...” he runs into the guardhouse and pushes a button, allowing the gate to slowly swing open. He

him as he sets

someone as he grabsa

as he peeks his head around the corner, “Luna,

back room with another blanket and wraps it carefully over my lap. He is very sweet, asking if I’m sure I’m alright and if I want

see an SUV pull up to the

hood of my cloak back. His

I’ve used them all up,” I try to smile, but it turns into a frown. For the first time in months, I can feel tears turning my cheeks wet, “ I'm so sorry for what happened to Lenora but I-I've taken care

your binder, Kas,” Reggie steps forward and kneels next to Milo, “ We know what you had planned. Does this mean it worked? Are you here because

lip trembles and sobs start coming out instead. AllI cand ois nod and put my hand over my mouth. All the hard work I have put in over the last four months, all the emotions I pushed down, every moment I dedicated to other people, putting my own needs and wants aside, get released in a giant wave

to leave. No one was supposed to get hurt, Milo. I swear,” I cry, not being able to contain it anymore. I feel Milo’s hand take mine and he pulls me into his lap and holds me

nothing wrong. Nothing I need to forgive you for,” Milo says as he rubs my back. I feel him stop and he

cloak over my head. The four men

“You're so...” Reggie murmurs.

my tears and place my hands on my belly, “Twins. One,

this to anyone. If people know

they

me again, “Let's get you something to eat. Reggie and I will see if we