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Derek paused his kissing and heaved a sigh "I know But I feel I’m ready I’ve also had an idea… about Jeramiah And it… well, it requires that I turn back Back into my… former self I don’t want to talk too much about it yet," he went on as I opened o into details until I’ve done it But, after turning, I’, just a day or two I’m not entirely sure I’ve asked Ibrahiing my reaction

I wasn’t really sure what to say I accepted his wish to not discuss his plan I’d never wanted to be the type of wife to put her husband on a leash I trusted and respected Derek too much for that Of course, that didn’t stop the curiosity burning within me, but I didn’t press I knew that the whole Jeramiah episode was a very personal issue for Derek and if he wanted to do this alone, without an, still frowning "Well, ould you leave?"

"Soon after turning," he said He cuppedto put ive you my word"

I looked at him doubtfully It felt like any time Derek embarked on a mission, there was always soer were two peas in a pod

"What?" he asked, picking up onJust… be careful"

A smile curved the corner of his lips "Since when have I needed to be warned of that?"

I rolled nation, before his arms slid beneaththrough the woods with me I already knehere ere headed

River

After Hero returned me to The Shade and then mysteriously disappeared, Jamil and I searched all over the island for him But it was to no avail He’d vanished into thin air

I just couldn’t understand it It was like he’d been so in ain I still had no idea where he’d coely depressed in his absence I’d coht stay with us

"River!" mywithmy bed

"What is it?" I called back

"Co the duvet, I hurried out of the room and down the stairs My round outside the doorstep I e, scratched onto the cobblestones

"River,