And I still hate that word so, so much.
Because it’s not fair.
I never wanted this.
I never asked for this.
But it was given to me, regardless.
Morgan’s gone.
Randall is missing.
And if I’m going to have the strength I need to stop Myrin, then I need the Great White.
And in order to get him on our side, I need to do what he’s asking of me.
A year, Ryan. At the most.
Hold on, okay?
Just hold on.
Because one day, and one day soon, I am going to come back for you.
And I will never let you go.
I love you.
The world’s biggest Foxy Lady—
Sam
THE BOY from the slums, who had one day wished upon the stars to do something that mattered, went to the Dark Woods.
Eventually he was joined by the Dark Woods fairies, their lights bright and warm in such an unforgiving forest.
Are you sure about this, Sam?
Yes.
Then we shall guide you and stay with you until the end.
And that was a promise kept.
Sam of Wilds was a great many things. He was careless. Reckless. Inexperienced. Clever and smart, though probably too much by half.
But he loved those he cared about, and fiercely so. He would do anything for them. Regardless of whatever else could be said about him, he loved deeply.
Which is why he stood in front of the Great White for the third time, this creature who had mentored Randall, who was said to have built the entire world off his back.
And agreed to the year.
Because he loved with his whole heart.
The others were there.
Kevin.