QUOTE : A noise woke me in the middle of the night. When I opened my eyes, I found Rose beside the bed and sat up with a gasp. Panic flooded me while Alec remained undisturbed in his slumber. “What are you doing here?” I asked. “I’m here to thank you, Benella,” she said, surprising and confusing me. “And to say good-bye. What I set out to do has been done. Alec has found purpose and love. I only hope that someday you’ll forgive me for the lies and manipulations I used to bring you two together.” “You’re leaving?” I didn’t trust that I’d understood her correctly. She smiled at me. “Yes. As I promised. I was only waiting for you to see the truth. A truth I saw within you so long ago when your family first came to this area. The possibility of love—for him.” “What do you mean when we first came here? I didn’t meet you until we moved to the Water.” She studied me for a moment before answering. “I’ve watched over the North for a long time. I knew of you as soon as you entered its boundaries. I’ve watched you since you were young, observed how you overcame each trial life gave you. You are intelligent, determined, courageous, and kind. And I knew once I sent you to the beast, you would find a way to free him. Yet, I worried for you. Your strength was also your weakness. You were too kind. Too willing to sacrifice yourself for those you cared for. I helped you as much as I could while still keeping both of you unaware. Alec had so much to learn; you had so much to teach him. “Hold fast to your love for one another, and this life will not disappoint you. You will balance each other well.” She turned to go. “Wait,” I said, believing she really meant it. Though I still resented the way I’d been used, I also realized, without her manipulations, I wouldn’t have met Alec. She stopped and looked back at me. I slipped from the bed, unconcerned with my nakedness and crossed the room. “I already forgive you. Thank you for sending me here, for bringing me him.” Rose surprised me by sniffling. “I wanted to spare you but not as much as I wanted you to truly find happiness.” She hugged me tightly. “You don’t need to leave.” “I