My life has been good after Spence, but living without true love takes a toll that no one can correct. After graduating from the university in New York. I knew it was time to return to Spence and organize the realms. It took days of negotiating, but the magic was eventually split evenly. I only returned to the realms once after this to check on things. Even though the realms would always be a part of me I knew that it was not my place to return, yet.
I never married it didn't seem right, but I became a writer and had many books published under my name. Tom did marry one Miss Ann Bradshaw who had made quite a fortune on the stage. After she explained the deception that occurred many years ago Tom forgave her. They had one child together about a year after they were wed, a little girl that they named Pippa. If Tom had thought our father showed me favor it was nothing to what he showed that little girl. Pippa grew up to be a beauty like her namesake, Ann was thrilled. After making her London debut Felicity moved to Paris taking Polly with her. The admiral was furious, but Felicity threatened to expose him if he tried to stop her. She cared for Polly well and as she promised she wore trousers in fact the only time she wore a dress again was to present Miss Polly to Spence where she would earn a well rounded education under her headmistress, me. Felicity did have many loves and lived a frivolous life like she had always dreamed, but she always was there for Polly. Father died a year after my debut and my grandmother soon after.
"Most High are you sure that this is what you wish?" Gorgon asks. She has been free for sixty years now and has helped govern the realms while I was away.
"I am certain. I have been ill for quite some time now and in case you have forgotten I can not pass on to the other side of the river. I gave my chance to Circe. Thus this is my best option and quite honestly it's the one I would have chosen even if I still had my other option," I say. I need to be with him. I know that. Every time I dream it is of him. Every time I close my eyes I see his smile. I need to be with him in death. This I know.
"Very well Most High. I will grant you this favor," Gorgon says while pulling out the dagger I had once plunged into the tree we were standing before. The Tree of All Souls. I sigh as the tears roll down my cheeks. Gorgon smiles at me one last time before plunging the dagger into my heart. My blood seeps into the roots of the tree.
"Miss Doyle, very nice to see you again," Kartik says and I spin around. I feel different, younger. I look down and I see my sixteen year old self.
"Oh my, Kartik!" I shout throwing myself into his arms.
"Welcome home, darling," he says kissing my head sweetly. I wipe the tears from my eyes and look around. I am in India dressed as a bride. I am in my old house and I lok out the window and see everything needed for a wedding outside.
"Hold still, Gemma," the woman adjusting my Sari says. I look at her and smile because she is just as I remember her.
"Of course, Mama," I say throwing my arms around her.
"Hello sweet Gemma, welcome home. Before you ask, yes everyone is here, but before you say your hello's you've got a wedding to attend to," Mama says lovingly and I know I am finally home.