Brooklyn rushed toward Florence, her breath uneven, desperation blazing in her tear-filled eyes. She seized her shoulders with trembling hands.
"Tell me!" she pleaded. "Please... tell me!"
Every beat of her heart longed for a single answer the impossible hope of seeing her family once more.
Florence let out a soft sigh before gently placing a hand over Brooklyn's trembling ones.
"Calm down, my lady," she said with quiet gentleness. "One question at a time."
"How...?" Her voice trembled. "How can I meet them?"
Florence let out a weary sigh before finally speaking.
"There is no need for me to reveal the secret of how I'll send you there," she said calmly. "So, be quiet and let me finish. If you truly wish to go... then I'll take you."
She paused, her expression turning solemn.
"But there is one condition."
Brooklyn raised her tired eyes meeting Florence's.
Florence reached into her sleeve and revealed a small, radiant stone.
"This," she said softly, "is one of the rarest arcane stones ever to exist. Guard it with your life, for it is the only thread that binds you to this world."
She placed it gently into Brooklyn's palm.
"You will have only two years in that realm. Before the final day fades, cast this stone into any sea, lake, or river. As it touches the water, speak these words without hesitation..."
"By the waters that divide the worlds, I surrender my journey. Let the path reopen, and return me to where I belong."
Florence's gaze sharpened.
"What if i refuse to do it?" She spoke with a curiosity.
"You have only two years to live in that realm,"Florence said quietly. "Not because of the realm itself... but because of your health."
Brooklyn frowned.
"The condition you've always believed to be a minor allergy..." Florence paused, her voice growing heavier. "...isn't an allergy at all. It's a tumor."
The words struck like lightning.
"If you refuse my offer, your fate will remain unchanged. You will die, just as fate has already written."
She gently closed Brooklyn's fingers around the stone.
"But if you do exactly as I say, your body in that world may perish when your two years come to an end. Yet your consciousness your very soul will return safely to this world."
Florence's expression turned solemn.
"When the second year draws to its final day, before the last moment slips away, you must cast this stone into any sea, lake, or river and complete the rite. Not a moment later. If you fail... no power will be able to bring you back."