Departure - Chapter 6

The familiar voice came from behind me, firm and protective. My father’s. He stepped forward from the crowd, his expression calm but his eyes sharper than I’d seen in a long time. He placed a steady hand on my shoulder. “She is my daughter,” he said plainly. “Chloe Mallory.” The elder’s eyes widened briefly in recognition before narrowing once more. His voice dropped low, almost as if he spoke more to himself than to anyone else. “Mallory…so it is.”. The weight of his words pressed against me, and I couldn’t tell if it was a good thing.

The elder’s gaze lingered, heavy as storm clouds gathering over the shore. He asked question after question. About whether or not I had an inkling about when my gift awakened, what I intended to do with it, and whether the chapel would see me again for further guidance. Each word felt like a hook, sharp and deliberate, trying to reel me in like a fish looking at bait. But every time I opened my mouth, my father gave the smallest shake of his head or pressed his thumb once against my shoulder. Subtle signals, quiet reminders to keep it short. So, I did.

“I’ll…consider my options,” I said carefully, steadying my voice even though my palms dampened with sweat. “With my family. Alone.”. The words left my lips before I fully thought them through. But once I said them, I stood taller. Straighter. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw my father’s brow lift ever so slightly. Seemingly surprised, maybe even impressed. Lance stepped forward just a pace, his voice firmer than I expected. “That’s right. Chloe doesn’t need to answer everything here. She’ll…she’ll figure it out with the people who matter.”

I shot him a look. Half grateful, half startled at his words. He was saying it more for me than because he really understood, but it was enough. The elder studied me for a long, tense silence. His eyes narrowed, as if he wanted to press harder, but then he exhaled through his nose, slow and measured. “Very well,” he said at last. His tone shifted, lighter, almost kind. “Do your best, child, in whatever path you choose is right for you.”

It felt like being released from under a crushing tide. He stepped back, and the weight of his gaze lifted with him. I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding, my shoulders sagging as relief washed over me. Father’s hand lingered a moment longer before he guided me gently toward the road. “Come,” he said. “We’ve had enough for tonight.”. I nodded, my chest tight but lighter than before. We were finally free to go home, to return to our plan, to prepare for what came next.

But as we walked away. I caught Lance watching me out of the corner of his eye, his brow furrowed, curiosity etched plainly on his face. He hadn’t pressed with me questions yet. Not here. But I knew he would. And when he did, I wasn’t sure what I’d be ready to tell him.