Spire

Then I noticed it. I was unsure of what I had been anticipating—a gloomy, ominous tower with vines winding up its sides and dragons watching over a spiked gate, or possibly a simple stone building with no windows or doors where prisoners were magically interred. But what rose before me was stunning: a massive castle tower that seemed to touch the clouds in its loftiness. Fifteen feet from its base, the suffocating blackness stopped, and sunshine poured upon its glowing roof. The brilliant light made my eyes sting, and I let out a gasp. Bryce was standing next to me, watching my response with a gleam of laughter.

"Is this the Spire of Shadows?" I inquired with disbelief.

Bryce chuckled. "This is it," he confirmed. We moved in the direction of a large golden entrance at the front of The Spire of Shadows.

"If a door existed, why didn't he just leave?" I asked.

Bryce answered, "The Spire of Shadows is under a spell. Entry and exit are restricted to those who are not cursed."

"Oh," I murmured, understanding. We stopped in front of the door, and Bryce motioned for me to open it. I pushed it open with caution. A dazzling display of color and light was revealed when it swung inward. The room was decorated with brightly colored curtains, drapes, and rugs. After blinking a few times to get used to the brightness, I started looking for Jase. I reluctantly entered the adjacent chamber beyond the front room.

He was there. I felt a wave of relief and excitement that almost made me cry. He was alive; I could see the rise and fall of his chest. "Jase! Jase! Camryn is here!" I cried, rushing over to him and kneeling down next to him. "Are you all right? Get up!" With a trembling voice, I begged, "Please, please, wake up." I waited for his eyes to open, for any indication that he was aware of my presence, but he did not move. I looked to Bryce, tears running down my face. “Bryce… w-why won’t he wake up?” I mumbled, looking up at him, my voice shaking.

Bryce took a step forward, evaluating the prince with his eyes. "I apologize, Camryn," he said gently. "I'm not sure."

"Oh!" I sobbed, pressing my head against Jase's chest. Why wouldn't he wake up when I was here and he was alive? My tears eventually stopped and I was able to think clearly again. After a moment, I looked up again. "Help me bring him outside, Bryce," I pleaded. "I can't lift him by myself, please." I stood up and wrapped Jase's arm over my shoulders. I half-carried, half-dragged him out of The Spire of Shadows, and Bryce did the same with the other.

We turned left once we were outdoors and headed back toward The Healing Hall. Neither when we put Jase on one of the beds nor during the trip did he move. Now awake, Nyla Taylor stood next to me, comforting me. “No one can completely understand curses or spells—or the minds of those who wield them,” Nyla Taylor murmured, putting a hand on my shoulder. "Jase might just require some time to heal. Even though it might take days, he is still alive and was released from The Spire of Shadows before the allotted eight days had passed. Camryn, don't lose hope; he will live."

I nodded and gave her a tearful grin. In order to prevent her injuries from getting worse, she quickly withdrew to her own bed, and Bryce replaced her. Bryce said softly, "You must truly love him."

"I do," I affirmed, my voice full of emotion. "Very much so."

Bryce gave a soft smile. "Then he will return," he predicted gently. "He will return to you after sensing your devotion."

"Thank you for everything, Bryce," I said sincerely. "If it weren't for you, he wouldn't be here." He gave me a loving embrace and nodded before leaving. I collapsed on the edge of Jase's bed and stared at his face until I was so tired that I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer. Eventually, I fell asleep.

I woke up to the sensation of someone caressing my hair. I was too sleepy and confused to identify who it might be. I opened my eyes in confusion. My heart stammered when I recognized the person as my vision cleared. "Jase! You're conscious!" I sobbed, my words tumbling out quickly. "Oh, you have no idea how... How are you doing? I can't believe you're... I cherish you!" He forced a small smile.

"I love you too," Jase croaked, his voice dry and harsh.

"How are you feeling?" I pushed gently.

"Wonderful," Jase replied, attempting a stronger smile. "The love of my life was at my side when I woke up in a comfortable bed. Who could want more?"

I grinned. "No one," I agreed. "But where do you feel pain?"

"I'm all right," Jase assured me. "However, I could do with a glass of water." I quickly got him a glass and sat down with him while he took a sip.

"So, where are we?" Jase asked after taking a sip. "What brings you here? Why have I come here? And what has taken place?"

"Well, it's a long story," I replied, laughing softly.

We enjoyed the simple pleasure of being together again as we sat on his bed later that day. We hadn't yet discussed the unknowns, such as what the queen may decide or what his safety meant. We rested for the time being. Bryce sat in a chair between them, while Nyla Taylor claimed the bed next to us. As I described our experience, Jase listened in awe. He looked at me, then at Nyla Taylor, and back at me in complete amazement when I got to the bit about the dragon. We couldn't contain our laughter.

Unfortunately, this reprieve was not permanent. After everyone had recovered, we packed up and headed away the following day. Bryce led us to the edge of The Tower Glade, where he gave me and his sister cheek kisses, took Jase's hand, and left, waving as he disappeared. With tears in my eyes, I returned the wave. Bryce's assistance was invaluable, and I will miss him. As I turned to follow Nyla Taylor and Jase, a smile tugged at my lips.

That day, we spent many hours walking at a moderate pace. We laid out our blankets and fell into a restless slumber that night. I could tell Jase wasn't completely asleep since he continued to be vigilant and keep his eyes on The Shadow Woods. We were doing okay by the following evening. We would arrive in town in two more days. I took a seat next to Jase after supper. A little distance away, Nyla Taylor was already asleep. "Jase, I really missed you," I whispered, moving closer.

"I also missed you," Jase answered, his voice low. "I just thought about you and us when I sat in The Spire of Shadows all those days. I love you so much, Camryn, and I've come to the realization that we shouldn't waste time if we are genuinely in love. Make me a promise."

"What?" I asked, looking at him and propping myself up on one elbow. "That when we get back, we'll get married, regardless of what anyone says," Jase urged, holding my cheek in his hand. I leaned over to give him a kiss while grinning.

"I swear," I whispered back before kissing him again.