GRAZING MY fingers over the word of the old envelope, I felt a sense of urgency and uncertainty.

I couldn't help that creeping feeling of fear that hung in the air as I started at my written name. I didn't know who wrote it, and I wasn't sure if I wanted too.

I didn't recognize that handwriting.

I had visited my home in Calflam many times over the years, and never once was this envelope there.

Which only meant it's been placed in the last six months.

Before we left, I had asked Arley and Old man Kady if they had had new visitors on the island or near my family's house. And obviously, the answer was no.

As I looked at the envelope in my hand, I felt drawn to it. My want to open it outweighed my fear of who it could be from.

But I had to wait. Wait till we get back.

I couldn't let anything, no matter how big or small, distract me from what was coming.

Not only were we going in blindly, but we also were raided the Kings kidnappers hideout. If anything, it could be a trap and they could be waiting for us. But I highly doubt it.

The letter would just have to wait.

I set it down in the desk just as a knock sounded out.

"Yes?" I called, never removing my eyes off the envelope.

"It's time to leave." Arius yelled.

I placed the letter in the top drawer of the desk, locking it.

I stood up from my chair, grabbing all four of my daggers off the table and walked to the doors where Arius waited on the other side.

Placing the last dagger into its place, I opened the doors and met Arius big brown eyes. "Ready to go?" He asked me, handing me my sword.

Grabbing my sword from his hand, I could help but gaze at it, remembering when I first got it from Mrs. Dayholt.

The handle was a wooden grip textured with a creeping vine pattern, but varnished and smooth. The Amulet crest was carved into the hilt where the blade met the handle. My name was engraved in ornate cursive down the middle of the blade. It took almost the whole length of the sword. I slid it into its sheath, "Let's hit the road."

Together we walked down the marble hallway and I couldn't help but feel like this was the last time.

When we'd get to Laventhorpe, we'd defeat the bad guys, find King Kole and go home. Right?

I was dragged out of my thoughts as my eyes rested on the royal family standing at the base of the stairs, there to send us off.

When I reached the last step, I stubbed back as Princess Senara hugged me tightly. "Please come back safely." She whispered in my ear.

"I will. Promise." Why does that promise seem so empty?

She released me and Queen Aria caught my eye. She reached out for my hands, clutching them with all her might as tears welled up in her eyes. "Please. Bring my King back home."

I nodded, "I will." She released me and soon after I was met with the three princes.

"Please be safe." Prince Grey said softly. I nodded softly.

"Although I don't like not coming," Evander began, then sighed placing a hand on my shoulder, "be safe and bring my father home, please."

I wrapped my hand around his elbow, "I will to the best of my abilities."

He let go and Koa stepped forward. "I hope all goes well for you. Not that I have any worries."He didn't have a bit of concern in his voice, but it had an undertone that I couldn't catch.

I nodded , wishing them all goodbye.

We made our way out the doors where everyone was waiting with horses.

Everyone in the syndicate had a horse as well as Leland, August and Arius. Leland handed my the reins for my horse and we were off. Our course set for Laventhorpe, with an army of strong men behind us.

I have watched from the windows and the grass field as these men have worked hard to become unified, and it's made them a family.

I could now watch them work together efficiently like a song that's perfectly in tune.

Even on my trips away, I saw the results of their continuous training that happened with I wasn't there.

These boys had my back, and I had theirs.

As we traveled, I kept getting lost in thought about everyone here with us.

Kingsley was a hard working woman who has devoted her life to protecting the ones she's love at all cost. I knew that she couldn't loose anymore family, not after what happened all those years ago with her brother.

Mèabh gives every waking moment she has for her village. Becoming Chief was such a huge step for her, and I couldn't be more happy for her.

Blakey-Rose, though shy, was a spitball of fire. Her lively spirit was what kept her going, always. And I always loved that about her.

Willow was a snarky young boy but he was smart. Smart than me at times. He would protect his family at all costs, and he would never leave them behind. Together, him and his sister have been through a handful of hardships that has only brought them closer as siblings.

I was proud of everyone of them for how far they've come. Not just as individuals, but as a family.

We were each other's everything, and we'd do anything for one another.

Even if that meant give up our lives.

×××××××××××××

Author Note!

Hello My Mickey Mouse Club House Members!!❤️

Nan's grandpa died last week, can we give her some love pls?>

(for those who need reminders, Nan is my friend that helps me with my book and edits it. She's basically/also a co-author of this book.)

Thoughts >

Random >

How is your day today? Was it bad? Good? In between?

QOTD: Do you like red meat?

I do like red meat, mostly steak.

Love you all thank you for reading! Xoxox 💋💋

- Mickey ✨