Castine, Bittersweet Outcome: Part 4

By Heather Welch

Castine, Bittersweet Outcome - Part 4 is the final installment of the Castine Series. Bittersweet Outcome begins exactly where Castine, Then There Were Two - Part 3 leaves off. With Phaelan not quite the same as he used to be and Alison having barely recovered from her injuries, the future of Castine appears less hopeful than it once was. Having an inexplicable bond with the creature, Alison still flashes upon the Maraudulv without warning causing worry among the others. Her fears of an imminent attack are justified when she flashes on the two Maraudulvs readying the Lugwarts for battle.

Now Alison and her family prepare alongside Marbellia and Phaelan and their allies for the battle of their lives. With war raging on so many fronts, their faith in each and their abilities will be tested like never before.

And in the end, when the dust settles and the smoke clears, will Alison be able to do what needs to be done? Will she say goodbye to the one she loves? Will she be able to find the way home?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Heather Welch
• Release date: Nov 27, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370378326

Heather Welch

Heather Welch is a native Rhode Islander now living in the South raising two Southern Belles. She’s been writing stories since she learned to form sentences, and her mother proudly displayed her first one, The Farmer and The Bunny, on their refrigerator.With writing being her main passion, you won’t often find a pen and paper far from her reach. She can often be found, journal in hand, anywhere from seaside to sofa. Life’s precious moments are far too valuable not to capture on paper.Castine has been released in four sequences. They say write what you know, which is exactly what transpired. The idea came to Ms. Welch from an imaginary game played as a child with her own brother and sister back when summer afternoons were filled with magic, monsters, secret powers and faraway places. The book took on a life of its own, and the words flowed freely onto the pages.Each character holds a special meaning for her, and she hopes some will for you as well. If you’ve enjoyed reading as much as she’s enjoyed writing, she’d love to hear from you.Also follow on Instagram - www.instagram.com/heatherwelchnovels

Book preview

Castine

Bittersweet Outcome

Part 4

Heather Welch

Copywright 2016, Heather Welch

All rights reserved.

Smashwords Edition.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Contents

Chapter 26 - A Gift

Chapter 27 - Pint-Sized Allies

Chapter 28 - Preparations

Chapter 29 - And So It Begins

Chapter 30 - Bittersweet Outcome

Chapter 31 - Jubilation

Chapter 32 - Final Farewell

Epilogue

Dear Reader

Author’s Page

Connect With The Author

Chapter 26

A Gift

Phaelan's recovery time was not nearly as long as Marbellia had feared, thanks to his one-of-a-kind transfusion and Rose’s special services. However, the next few days proved to be interesting. He only required Rose's gift two more times after the first night. However, we still had a few stages of recovery to endure.

The mood swings coincided with the dip in his blood count. Yet once he ate a healthy portion of his specially prepared steak, his body was able to regulate itself, and his charming demeanor quickly returned. Consequently, getting Phaelan on a compatible schedule was top priority. It wasn’t easy to figure out the delicate balance of how quickly his body would burn through the portions he was being served. Yet through it all my love for Phaelan grew stronger.

I was grateful that my strength had fully recovered, and my abilities were back to normal. There had been no further dreams or night flashes, and I was in total control of myself once again.

I was becoming increasingly bolder with my flashes and began holding my connection for longer periods of time. Including another person, yielded no side effects. To flash in multiple people was my ultimate goal; but I have to admit, trying that again terrified me.

Maybe you could try it again in small doses, Phaelan cut into my thoughts.

Hmm? I asked looking his way a bit confused.

The gazebo was a beautiful place to go and think, and I was deep inside myself and never heard Phaelan walk up beside me, but then again, I never heard Phaelan walking anywhere anymore. With his new diet, his abilities had inexplicably increased.

Your dilemma, he explained. You sensed your problem to me. I was only trying to help.

I did? I didn't mean to bother you, but you're right. I've got to start somewhere.

You never bother me. You must know that by now. You are my whole world. When something bothers you, I want to know.

Phaelan knelt down beside the chair I was sitting in and pushed back a stray piece of hair. I held back the sting of tears.

And you are mine, I replied and quickly looked away.

It hurt too much when he said things like that. It always fast forwarded me to the end where we said our good byes, and I somehow ended up back in my world. I never wanted to think of living without him, and I hated it when anything was mentioned that forced me to.

Phaelan had a more optimistic view than I did. He never saw things quite as black and white as I did. He turned my chin back with just one finger.

I love you, no matter what, he clarified. Nothing will ever change that.

I threw myself into his arms as if this were our last moment together. I held on like there were no tomorrow. He held me close without saying a word until I was ready to let go.

I can't imagine my life without you, I whispered in his ear.

Then do not. For now, we have each other. Let us just make the most of each moment, and let the future worry about itself.

We walked back to the palace hand in hand, and I rested my head against his arm. I felt better and better with each step. I always felt better when we were close as if all of my problems just melted away. He made me feel safe and protected. I loved everything about him from his flawless, good looks to his charming personality.

Let us get ready for an early supper, he suggested, leading me back through the palace.

A bath was already waiting for me upon our return, and immediately, I was suspicious.

What's going on? I asked, skeptically.

Phaelan smiled but did not answer. He just motioned me towards Karina who was waiting with smiling eyes.

What's this all about? I asked her.

She tried to play innocent, but I wasn't buying it. Yet I had to admit, the bath was wonderful. I closed my eyes and sank into the bubbles.

You cannot stay in there all day, Phaelan called through the door.

I did not realize that I was on a time schedule, I called back.

Well, we are, he answered. Will you please get ready soon?

Maybe you need to come in here and get me? I teased.

I heard him laugh. My comments no longer seemed to embarrass him.

I am afraid that would have the exact opposite result of what I am trying to accomplish.

If I knew what that was, maybe I could be more helpful, I coaxed.

Would you please get ready, and stop with the procrastination? he pleaded.

I got out, reluctant to leave the steaming water. However, my curiosity was now peaked. Karina led me to the changing room where a beautiful, blue gown lay waiting for me.

You expect me to wear that? I pointed.

She nodded.

I hadn't worn a dress, never mind a gown, in quite a long time. This beautiful gown was the color of Phaelan's eyes. It was the smoothest satin with a gold laced-up bodice. I hated to admit it, but I couldn't wait to try it on.

I'm not a girl who favors dresses, but in this one, I felt like a princess. It was a simple hour glass design, but the sleeves were angelic and descended down towards the hem line. I felt like I could fly.

Karina fixed my hair, leaving most of it down but swept up pieces to intertwine with a thin gold band that encircled my head. Now I truly felt like a princess. I gave her a hug, and we were both smiling. I took in a deep breath before she opened the door.

You look lovely, she signed.

Thank you, Karina, I beamed, for everything.

Phaelan was waiting for me looking more gorgeous than anyone had the right to. He was wearing a short, crimson jacket with the royal insignia embroidered in gold, black leggings, and black boots. My favorite blue shirt underneath brought out his eyes. My heart was beating a mile-a-minute as soon as I saw him. We matched perfectly, almost as if we were going to prom. I suddenly felt so nervous.

You are beautiful, Phaelan smiled, reaching for my hand.

"You look nice