Christopher heard a soft knock at the door. He had left the door open when he decided to quickly test his theory before he could change his mind.

'You've been gone a while.' Anastasia mentioned. 'I was looking for you. Why did you come inside?'

'Sorry about that. I just worked out something so I figured I'd prepare for it.'

Anastasia continued staring at him, encouraging him to explain more.

'The curse has lifted, the Lich is no longer a threat. I believe I can leave Cinderash, continue on my adventure.'

'Oh...' She hesitated from replying any further. 'But what if it is still in affect on people that were here whilst the curse was active?'

'Someone has to try.'

He lifted his backpack onto his shoulders and fastened his belt to his waist. He resheathed the enchanted sword he used in the recent battle against the Lich and his creations before slinging that on his shoulder as well. He wasn't sure why he wanted to take it with him, he knew it certainly wasn't for the memories that came with it.

'What if this kills you?' Anastasia asked as they both made their way to the entrance. There was still no door but Anastasia mentioned that her brother was going to make one for the house.

'Then it will be known that no one can leave Cinderash.' Christopher replied. He was already questioning whether he should go or not. He didn't want anything bad to happen to him. But curiosity got the best of him. Besides, he was an explorer— they have to face dangers all the time.

Anastasia sighed. 'I guess I can't stop you. But stay a bit longer before you go.'

'Very well.' Christopher replied, but he seemed a little puzzled by the request. They both sat at the table, sitting next to each other.

'I'm surprised you want me to stay longer,' Christopher began. 'I thought you hated me.'

She glanced down, suddenly fascinated by either the table or her feet. 'I think I should apologise about that.'

'Apologise for what? You had every right to treat me like that.'

'No, I definitely didn't. I've treated you horribly over the last however many days, especially since you brought back Skobex. I... I was worried about the town and my family.'

'You're forgiven. I guess I shouldn't have brought Skobex back though, I should apologise for that.'

'You're not fully forgiven, more like half-forgiven.' Anastasia replied with a smile. 'Especially since you placed the town in danger and kept putting myself in near death situations.'

'I'll accept that.'

'Actually, how many times have you tried to kill me in some way? I mean, I know I said four but after our battle with the Lich, what would the number of times be? It's got to be lots more than that now.'

'Only four since before the final battle with Skobex, it was only at three.'

'I feel like it's a lot more than that.'

'Well, whatever the number is, it shouldn't rise any further after I've left.' Christopher faltered at 'left'. He really didn't want to leave, he had gotten to know Anastasia during his stay here, as well as meet Juliana and the rest of her family. However, he had to know if he could leave Cinderash. That would change everything.

'I better be on my way if I want to see the whole continent.' Christopher commented, changing the subject slightly.

'I'll see you off then.'

As Christopher made his way toward the border, Anastasia gathered her family and some people from the town to see him off. He noticed Maynard and Abel toward the front of the small crowd, Maynard giving an encouraging nod.

Anastasia squeezed Christopher in a hug. When she finally let go, she said with a smile, 'Good luck, Magic Boy.'

Christopher couldn't help but smile back. 'I thought we agreed on no nicknames, Annie?'

'Oh, yeah sorry, Spellster.'

'Come on you two,' Juliana interrupted before Christopher could give Anastasia another nickname. 'You better get going before it gets too dark to travel.'

'We wouldn't want you to overstay here and create the possibility of another disaster for Cinderash.' Maynard added with a smirk. 'Skobex's return is enough for a good one hundred and fifty years, hopefully more than that.'

He turned and faced the exit. He was only ten steps away from the border. It seemed so close, yet so far. He didn't think he would ever get the opportunity to leave Cinderash.

He mentally counted down his steps from ten.

Four. Three. Two. One.

He hesitated taking the last step. He knew the curse had to have disappeared, making it safe to leave the town. But he couldn't be fully sure. At least if he died, no one else from Cinderash would attempt it. Everyone else would be safe.

Christopher closed his eyes and took the final step. He didn't feel any different. He didn't feel as though he was going to suddenly die or spontaneously combust or anything like that.

He glanced back at the small crowd. They all seemed to hold their breaths, as if expecting something to happen. Anastasia looked pained, but he wasn't sure why. He kept staring at everyone, especially Anastasia, for about thirty seconds before her expression softened and chatter erupted from the small group.

'It worked!' One person called out.

'Impossible.' Anastasia's brother said in awe.

'He did it!' Anastasia exclaimed.

He smiled and said his final goodbyes. He waved as he departed for his next destination. He wasn't sure where that would be but he knew that it was part of the journey.

Christopher had walked for an hour or two across the land. He found a fallen tree log along the edge of a small forest and decided that it would be a good time to rest. The sun was already beginning to touch the horizon, he had two hours, possibly a little more before it would be too dark to travel.

He pulled out his map that was already tattered around the edges and attempted to find where he was. He knew he walked west from Cinderash so he traced his fingers along the imaginary path, approximating where he had travelled. He had found the Spirit Forest, where he was close to right now. It was one of the smaller forests on the continent but he had heard rumours about something special being in the heart of the forest for those who were brave enough to find it. He also remembered that some people went insane after walking through the forest, and some people never came back out of the forest.

He wanted to go explore, despite the risks. That's what he had always wanted. However, he felt as though something was missing, like a piece of his map had been torn away. He knew about the other piece and where it was, he just needed to reattach it in some way.

He knew what he had to do. He stood up, folded away his map and changed course in the opposite direction to the forest.

'I'm a little upset that he's gone.' Anastasia admitted. It had only been a few hours since Christopher had left Cinderash to continue his journey. 'I was just getting used to him being around.'

'Like he said, he has this whole continent to explore.' Tamara reminded her. 'You can't stop him from pursuing his dream.'

'I know, but I think I'm going to miss him a little.'

Tamara smirked at Anastasia after that comment. She had just finished sweeping the floor and sat next to Anastasia.

'What are you smiling about?'

'I think you know why.'

Early the next day a knock was heard at the door. Well, a knock on the wood that surrounded the door since Christopher had broken their original door. Anastasia quickly ran over to it to reveal Christopher standing in the entryway. He had his arm behind his back and a huge smile plastered on his face.

'Did you leave something here?' Anastasia asked.

'No—wait, yes...' He scratched the back of his head.

'Okay, come in and find what you need.'

Christopher took a step inside the house and stopped. He pulled his hand from behind his back to reveal a small bunch of flowers. 'These are for you.' His gaze dropped slightly as he handed her the flowers. She could've sworn that she noticed his cheeks tint red.

Not that she could say anything about it, or make a comment to embarrass him. Anastasia's cheeks began to turn red as they increased in heat. Her stomach did a small somersault as she accepted the gift.

'Thank you.' She muttered. 'But why are you back, really?'

She had a huge smile on her face which must have been contagious since Christopher's smile managed to become wider.

'Do you really have to ask that?'

Before either of them could say anymore, Juliana walked in and stopped in surprise.

'You're back.' She said, 'Did you leave something here? I can help you look for it.'

'No, I didn't... well, I didn't leave anything of mine here.'

She blinked her eyes a few times out of confusion.

'Come on, let's go for a walk.' Anastasia whispered.

'Where are those flowers from?' Juliana asked. 'Who brought them?'

'I'll tell you later, mother.'

Anastasia ushered Christopher back outside but they were quickly stopped by another one of her family members. It was Nathaniel, her older brother. He was covered in sweat and sawdust from his job.

'Wasn't expecting to see you back here so soon, Christopher.' Nathaniel commented. 'Oh, by the way, Anastasia, tell mother that the door is almost ready.'

'I will.'

Nathaniel seemed to eye out the flowers that Anastasia still held. 'Christopher brought them?'

'Yes,' She responded quickly, 'aren't you meant to be somewhere?'

He took the hint. Nathaniel made up some excuse, winked at Anastasia and then proceeded to walk off.

'Just wondering, did you pick these flowers from the gardens next to the houses?' She asked.

'Possibly.' He admitted with a smile. 'I knew you'd like them.'

'I do,' She confessed, 'but you stole them.'

'I can put them back.' He quickly replied.

'No it's alright.' Anastasia answered with a smile and a small laugh. 'I'm sure the neighbours will understand.'

They both continued their walk in silence. Their hands brushed a few times as they walked. It wasn't long before Anastasia's hand creeped into Christopher's as they're steps seemed to sync together. By the time they stopped, they were at the base of the castle. Christopher spun to face her opposed to being beside her.

'Come with me.' He blurted out.

'With you? Where?' She questioned.

'Exploring. We can see the world together.'

Anastasia was taken aback by his comment. She had always wondered what laid beyond the borders of Cinderash but didn't think she would ever get the opportunity to leave. She didn't want to risk getting seriously ill and end up passing over to a higher place. Her father tried. But now with the curse gone, she could leave Cinderash. She'd seen it with her own eyes—Christopher pursued the task only the day before. However, the thought scared her. She would be leaving her whole family behind if she did this. Also, she had her new role as the town's leader to consider as well.

'Why are you asking me?'

'I realised that I would miss you too much if I left forever.' He explained. 'That's why I turned around and came back. I want to be with you. I want us to explore the world together, discovering new and exciting places.'

'You know that I can't leave in an instant. I'll have to ask a few people their opinions before I make my final decision.'

'The offer is there if you would like to take it. You know what I want but I can't force that upon you. I'll await your decision.'