Reclaimed (The Phoenix Chronicles Book 1) (23 page)

“We are,” grinned Tracy. “The elves said it's okay that we come.”

Summer swallowed hard against the waves of different emotions she felt.

“Are you sure?” she asked.

“Very sure,” answered Petar. “We are past our time to leave this place.”

“Your families?” she asked.

Nora shrugged. “Won't even realize we're gone.”

Summer knew there was no arguing with them. Especially if the elves had already agreed to it. She knew there had to be a lot of persuading on her friend’s part because having everyone come was not the original plan.

“What’s going to happen here?” asked Summer.

Tolai cleared his throat. “It's time to rebuild and make this place what it used to be. There might not be a lot of wielders but, I know many are in hiding. I'm going to do my best to make this a safe place again and open up the classrooms.”

Ash's eyes lit up. “That's great, Tolai. I really hope this place fills up like it once did.”

He nodded. “Me too. We're done letting Jasper use it for his own personal agenda.”

“Are you guys going to replace him?” asked Summer

“Not yet.” Tolai looked up at the tower. “Maybe when all of this is over then we will. For now, we will just focus on the school.”

“Good,” said Summer firmly. “And thank you for everything.”

If she thought a smile from Ash was rare then seeing Tolai crack one almost had her falling over from shock.

“Good luck,” he said, and stepped back.

Summer took one last look around the field before following after the elves. Never in a million years could she have guessed that this was how her life was going to turn out.

There were times as a child that she wished some magical land could suck her up and pull her away from what fate had deemed her reality. Now, despite all the difficult obstacles she had overcome, Summer was walking away with friends, someone she loved, and a brand new life. It was something she couldn't have even dreamed up and she was going to make the best of it; even the bad times.

They approached the portal that was flickering like a dying light.

“Are you ready?” asked Nareh.

She nodded, closed her eyes, and stepped through.