I looked at her skeptically. “How?”
“Through honesty. Through communication. Through conscious choice, made every day,” she replied. “Love is notmerely a feeling that comes and goes like the tide. It can also be a decision, renewed with each sunrise.”
Dean Thornfield nodded. “And in light of the ritual’s findings, your expulsion from Widdershins has been revoked, Mr. Thalassos. You are welcome to remain at the academy.”
I stood frozen, overwhelmed by the sudden shift in my fate. Minutes ago, I had been resigned to exile, to a lonely existence in the cold, dark waters of the North Sea. Now, I was being offered a chance to stay, to continue my studies, to be with Teddy.
“But his parents—” I began.
“Are being investigated by the Elder Council as we speak,” the antlered Elder interrupted. “The magical manipulation of a child to this degree, even by their parents, is a serious offense in our laws. They will not interfere with either of you again.”
Teddy took another step toward me, close enough now that I could feel the warmth radiating from his body. “I’m not asking for promises or forever,” he said softly. “I’m just asking for a chance. For both of us.”
I looked into his eyes, searching for any sign of doubt or hesitation. But all I saw was clarity and determination. This was Teddy, therealTeddy, free from his parents’ influences and making his own choice.
“I’m scared,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Me too,” he confessed with a small smile. “But I’m more scared of letting you go.”
He held out his hand to me, an echo of that first night in the pool when everything between us had begun. I stared at it, knowing that if I took it, I was accepting the risk, the possibility of my own destruction.
But I was also accepting the possibility of something I’d never allowed myself to hope for. A love that might actually last.
Slowly, I reached out and placed my hand in his. His fingers closed around mine, warm and secure.
“I love you, Nerion,” he said. “And you don’t have to say it back.”
“I… I love you too, Teddy,” I replied, the words purposeful and right. “I’ve loved you for a while now.” I pulled his hand to my lips, kissing it lightly. “Please… don’t hurt me…”
He pulled me close suddenly, our lips nearly touching as he stared into my eyes. “I will never hurt you, Nerion. I promise. I’ll love you with all my heart until the day I die.”
Tears flowed again as I heard the words I never thought I’d hear in my entire life. And I kissed him, because what the hell else was I supposed to do?
Epilogue: Teddy
One Month Later
“Well, here it is,” I said as I stepped into Nerion’s dorm room. I held shook the thick parchment letter above my head, smiling like a fool. “The Elder Council’s official ruling on my parents.”
“Sentenced to death?” Nerion grinned from the edge of his bed. “Torture? A thousand years of listening to Taylor Swift on repeat?”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “I’ll just read it to you.”
He patted his lap, and I easily fell into it. I leaned back against his chest, feeling his muscles flex against me. I gave the letter a flick, cleared my throat, and started to read.
Official Statement from The Elder Council
Mr. Voss,
We are writing to inform you about the results of our investigation into your parents, Carrick and Calliope Voss. After a thorough review of evidence submitted by yourself, Mr. Nerion Thalassos, and various witness testimonies, we have found Carrick and Calliope Voss guilty of the following:
1. Illegal use of compulsion magic on a minor
2. Emotional and psychological abuse of their ward
3. Attempted interference with Academy governance
4. Violation of the Magical Ethics Code, Section 12.4