“Hello.” I felt shy myself.
“You’re just in time. Stefan’s ready to leave,” Lady Alice said.
“Thank you for all you’ve done. And know that I won’t forget Mary Jane.” I knew the promise wasn’t enough to heal the ache in Lady Alice’s heart.
“Please don’t. And remember, you do have the potential to be a good man. But the tricky part is getting yourself to believe it.” Lady Alice smiled sadly.
“I’ll try,” I promised. Cora and I left the house and found ourselves back on London’s bustling streets. Fruit and vegetable carts clamored for space in the narrow lanes, ladies of the night were walking the blocks with rouged cheeks and low-cut dresses despite the early hour, and pub doors were flung open, welcoming thirsty laborers looking for a lunchtime pint. We could live here and set up house on Bedford Street. And yet I knew that was impossible.
Cora sighed, and I wondered if she was thinking the same thing.
“It’s time for me to move on,” Cora said.
“I think that’s a wonderful idea,” I told her.
“Damon’s arranging passage for me to America later today. Will you see me off?”
“Of course,” I said.
It was odd that we’d most likely never see each other again. It was necessary for Cora’s safety and for her well-being—as I’d learned, no good could come from a mortal spending time with a vampire. We lived on the same earth, but existed in two different worlds.
I reached into my pocket and pulled out Mr. Sutherland’s watch, which I’d been carrying ever since I left New York two decades ago. It was tarnished from age and had a tiny bloodstain on it, but it continued to tick. It was a testament to time, nothing else. But it reminded me that this second was the only thing in this life—vampire or mortal—that was ever truly certain.
I took Cora’s hand and dropped the heavy timepiece inside. “I’d like you to have this,” I said.
Cora examined it. “Why are you giving it to me?” she asked in disbelief.
“You deserve it. To remind you that we shared time together and that it profoundly changed us both. And also to remind you that I will think of you, and remember you, for eternity,” I said. It was true.
“I’ll miss you,” she said sadly.
“You’ll be all right. You’re the smartest, fiercest person I know. Remember that,” I said urgently.
Cora nodded. “Thank you. I’ll keep this forever, and never forget.”
We walked for a few minutes in silence, lost in our thoughts.
“I think when I get to America, I’ll change my name. A true fresh start. I won’t have had a sister. I won’t have moved from London. I’ll be from Ireland, seeking fame and fortune…” She trailed off, lost in the fantasy.
“Don’t lie,” I said urgently. “You may think it’s easier, but it’s not. Lies always come back. May I make a suggestion?”
“Of course,” Cora said.
“Go to Mystic Falls. It’s the town Damon and I grew up in. It’s beautiful. My father always used to call it God’s country,” I said, remembering.
Cora smiled. “That’s what my father always said about Ireland, too!” she burst out.
I smiled. “There’s still one family in Mystic Falls who will help you. The Bennetts. Emily Bennett was a loyal friend who took good care of me, and she’s a witch. Tell her family what happened. I know they’ll protect you. And that way, you’ll have someone to talk to about everything that’s happened. Someone who might understand.”
“That would be nice,” Cora said in a small voice.
&nbs
p; I glanced down at my ring, glinting in the sun. It was my ticket to freedom, the accessory that allowed me to walk in sunlight, among humans. Emily had given it to me, even after Katherine had died.
Just then, Big Ben began striking the time. Ten o’clock.
Cora turned to me, her eyes wide. “I should go. Damon said the boat leaves at four, but from Southampton. We’re taking a train there.”