Sacrifice

"I'm glad you're back, Cinderella." Polly gave me a small smile.

"You won't think so when I tell you Gabe said no." The words caused my already broken heart to fracture further.

"I am sorry, Cinderella, but there is still a way. Do not lose hope yet, sister."

"How?" I asked, wiping at my eyes, resolute in my willingness to do whatever it took to save her and this land.

That she called me sister didn't go unnoticed, but I thought perhaps it was a way of greeting others within the land and not literal.

At least that's what I wanted to believe at the moment.

"Your marriage to Gabe would have saved our land. He is your soul mate, regardless of what those above him say. I sense the truth of it. But had you never left Polonias, you would never have met the angel, which means there is one from this land you can marry. His name is - "

Before she could continue, Leo pushed through the lushness of the forest surrounding Polly's secret spot.

He lifted a hand. "Is it okay if I come over?" He