Changes were coming to Jorvik. So many things were in the works, and even those who were unsuspecting would be able to notice the difference in the air and in the land. The magic was too strong to ignore.

For Asabel, time was at a standstill. In her grief, she had put the entire world and Pandoria in danger, and only the actions of some of the Soul Riders, the Keepers of Aideen, and Dark Core prevented disaster from happening. For everyone's safety, she stayed in Fripp's home, where she spent her days processing her past and her actions.

The vampire knew she was on thin ice with everyone she had ever come in contact with, namely the Keepers of Aideen. After she attacked Fripp and then attempted to cause a life-ending explosion in Pandoria, it was made known to her several times by several people that she was not trusted. Without Fripp defending her, she would not be allowed anywhere near the druids or many people at all. This was partially her own choice, as she agreed that nearly isolating herself would be her best course of action.

Asa spent her days reading and thinking. When Fripp wasn't busy, they talked, most of the time with Avalon close by. Someone was always with her as a precaution. She didn't know how to gain anyone's trust or if it would even be worth it to try.

One day, while Asa and Fripp were sitting at a table, drinking tea, Asa told him, "Fripp, I need to leave."

"Why? And to where?" The cosmic being, who looked like a squirrel, looked up from his cup at her.

"I think my reasons are obvious. As for where, I don't know yet. Away from Jorvik, at least."

Fripp frowned, and his voice sounded concerned. "Tell me why, specifically, that you want to go."

"I don't want to go, but I've worn out my welcome here."

In another part of the room, Avalon chuckled. Fripp looked over at him and asked, "Would you like to contribute to the conversation?"

"No, no. I just find that statement amusing, since you've put it so lightly, vampire."

Before Fripp could say anything, Asa said, "I realize I've done some horrible things, and I don't think there's anything I can do to make it better. The only thing and the best thing I can do is leave."

"We haven't finished your amulet," Fripp informed her. "You won't be able to go out in the sun."

"Then, I'll do what I've always done: stay in the darkness," Asa told him. She stood up from her chair, then knelt beside him. "I know you care about me, but I can't change the past. We will always be opposites, and all I've done is hurt people who didn't deserve it. We both kept our words, and now that I know the truth about what happened to my friends, you are under no obligation to help me anymore."

"But I want to continue helping you."

"That's noble of you," she said, "but you must agree me leaving is the most logical course of action now. Whatever forces are at work here in Jorvik, I'm not supposed to have any part of it."

Fripp hesitated, then looked away. "If that's what you choose."

Asabel nodded. "Thank you for everything. I'm sorry it was a waste."

He quickly looked back at her, then opened the portals to the Stone Circle and Valedale. "Goodbye, Asabel," was all he said.

"Goodbye, Fripp. Goodbye, Avalon."

"Goodbye, vampire," Avalon stated, then Asa left.

After the portals closed, Avalon turned to Fripp, who was still sitting at the table. "I think that's the best thing she's done," Avalon told him. "though I'm surprised you didn't put up more of a fight to convince her to stay."

Fripp was completely silent for a few minutes. Then, he finally spoke. "My objections wouldn't have mattered. Not right now." His voice was soft, which made Avalon raise an eyebrow, unbeknownst to anyone else.

"You can't mean we'll see her again?" Avalon asked.

"Eventually," Fripp answered, staring at his reflection in the tea cup, but he didn't elaborate.