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open. Rubbing her eyes and licking her dry lips, Dina looked at Gabe through squinted eyes. Though she was certain she knew the answer to her question, she asked it anyways, “What’s wrong?”
    “Can I come in?” Gabe asked, looking around as if he was afraid he was being followed.
    “Oh, yeah. Sure, I mean …I guess,” She stepped back, making room for her guest to pass by.
    Watching Gabe as he entered, a pain in her chest ached. Though Dina knew he was hurting from the betrayal he had witnessed earlier, she said nothing, unsure still what she should do. If Calysta was right, and making Gabe stay meant he would find happiness with Sophie again, she wanted that for him. However, if his staying would also mean that the world would never have the great prophet delivered to them one day, how could she not him go? In a way, if I convinced him to stay, it would be as if I were turning my back on being a Guardian.
    “Is something wrong?” Dina asked again. She made her way to an overstuffed floor pillow and curled up on the rug, hugging the pillow to her chest.
    “I’m leaving,” Gabe stated flatly in response.
    The response came much more easily than Dina had imagined it would. “Wait, what do you mean you’re leaving? Where are you going?”
    “I can’t be here anymore. Did you know that Michael is gone?”
    “Yeah, I know. I met Bishop, a real charmer, isn’t he?” she chimed back sarcastically.
    “It’s not just Michael. I caught Uri and Sophie kissing yesterday.” As Gabe spoke, Dina did her best to act surprised. “I just can’t be here anymore, surrounded by these people.”
    “Gabe, maybe if you—”
    “Don’t tell me to give it time, Dina!” Gabe interrupted.
    “I— I wasn’t …” Dina insisted.
    “I am leaving. I just wanted you to tell everyone for me so they wouldn’t think I am missing or something,” Gabe explained.
    “Gabe, I know this seems awful right now, I mean, it’s awful, but I don’t think you’ve thought this through,” Dina argued, conflicted if she should be traveling down the path of this argument.
    “All I’ve done tonight is think this through!” Gabe’s voice was intensifying. “Will you tell them?”
    “What about Baal? How can you be safe out there? Have you thought about that?” Dina decided she wasn’t going to plead for him to stay any longer, but if he was going to leave, she was going to make sure he was prepared.
    “I appreciate your concern, but I’ve thought it through. I will be on my own. I can keep moving and use cloaking spells, I’ll be cautious.” She could see a confidence in Gabe that reassured her slightly.
    “Oh, Gabe, I don’t think this is a good idea,” Dina added one last time, trying to express her concern without changing his mind. In that moment, she knew she couldn’t keep Gabe here just because she wanted to keep a friend near. She couldn’t put his happiness above the greater good. In that moment, she understood what Calysta was saying. The council had done the things she claimed, not because they were evil, but because they were worried about the greater good.
    “I’m leaving, can you tell them?” Gabe attempted to confirm.
    Dina nodded, her heart stinging as she watched Gabe turn to leave.
    “Wait!” she shrieked, jumping to her feet. Running to the wardrobe near the foot of her bed, she grabbed the satchel. Quickly, she started filling it with small glass bottles of potions.
    Gabe chuckled, “Only you would have a stockpile like that.”
    “Well, hopefully you won’t need any of these, but should you, they are all labeled.” Dina carried the bag over to Gabe, forcing it into his hands. She glanced down at the enchanted charm hanging near the strap, the beacon spell she cast on it would ensure that one day she would find her friend again.
    “I’m sure I won’t need them, but thank you,” Gabe replied, reaching out to embrace her.
    “Gabe,” Dina began, grabbing hold and pulling him closer. “You