The time came for Julian to leave Shadowmere. His research was complete, the mystery solved. He had a life waiting for him beyond the town borders, a life he couldn't simply abandon.
Saying goodbye to Sabrina was the hardest thing he had ever done. They stood beneath the ancient willows, the same trees that had once whispered of Lyra's pain, now silent witnesses to their farewell.
"I don't know what the future holds for us," Julian said, his voice filled with a bittersweet ache. "But I'll never forget you, Sabrina. You changed my life."