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Cassian moved closer, wafting a rush of citrus and mint up Finnian’s nose. “Even in death, you belong to me.”
“Death cannot touch you?” Cassian’s eyes flashed up from Finnian’s scar, their golden hue shining fervently. “I am Death.”
The world and its cruelty were hardly fair, but they were necessary. To know pain was to gain the ability to grant compassion. Neither could exist without the other.
“Darkness only scares those afraid of the unknown.”
Each day, he searched for the beauty life held, learning to recognize the affection exchanged between others and appreciate it for what it was. Each day, he struggled to face the light while carrying a lifelong void within.
“I loathe you just as much,” Cassian whispered. I long for you, is what he wanted to say instead.
“The river will continue to flow no matter how much you fight against the current,” Isla said in her soft-spoken voice. “The memories we made together were worth every tragic experience we faced in life. Do not mourn us any longer, Finnian, for we are at peace.”
Just as peace was required to exist in the world, so was chaos.
“You cannot care about me.” Finnian took a daring step closer. “Oh, it is far too late for that.”
will hurt you if I let you in,” he said, breathless against his own desire. “I do not break as easily as you’d think.”
Finnian was his stillness in the storm; silence in the screaming; peace in the chaos.
Souls pleading and crying for permission to eat from the fruit. Their memories of loved ones too heavy on their souls. Wandering in the Grove of Mourning was a process that would eventually soak up the pain, but forgetting was easier than sitting in the hollow shell of time, at its mercy, while waiting for the throes of love to separate from the memories of those they left behind.
“I am not strong enough to face you when you despise me. Even if it is only temporary.” “You have before.” “Not after knowing what it is like to love you.”
Death was love, and love was death again.
“My dear boy, death is a part of life. Do not pity those who step into its Land, nor the ones they leave behind.”
The life of a god may be eternal, but that is no reason to carry on without granting forgiveness. Forever is wasted if you spend it in anger.”
“Even in death, Finnian. Love is the only thing truly immortal.”
“There is impact,” Cassian whispered in his ear. “Impact on those who touch our lives. You came into mine and I haven’t been the same since. The time we were apart, you remained etched deep in my soul, Finny.
The only truly eternal thing in life was not the life of a god or a goddess, but the love that gathered in one’s soul, transcending flesh and scouring the edge of the dawn to reunite us in small moments. Perhaps that was the entire meaning of life, to always find each other again.
