Dangerous Temptations

“I love you, too. You were the adventure I was meant for all along.”

Wesley

I stood on top of the hill and stared down into the distance as I watched Sydney and Mike walk toward their home. Sydney had a son and another child on the way. As she lifted her arm to touch her son, I saw the glint of metal in the sun and knew it was the bracelet I had given her all those years ago.

I miss you, too, Sydney.

At times, on my way back from a business deal, I was able to steal a glance into her life. Three years had passed since I left Sydney to take my rightful place. Three years since my heart was broken, knowing the woman I loved had fallen for another man.

Once I saw her with Mike Murphy, I knew I wasn’t the man to make her dreams come true. And I loved her enough to let her go.

I sighed as I watched her disappear into the distance. I had made the right choice.

The deal I was returning from had been fruitful, and I had come across another journal that was determined to have belonged to Quinn and purchased it for our archives. It had been part of a private collection, which was why we hadn’t found it before. Later, I would read what additional information it provided about Quinn’s life and how she set the Alchemists back on the right path.

I wish I could share it with Sydney.

But everything had a reason behind it. Sydney would have never survived in the world as I knew it. And I didn’t want Sydney to be changed.

In a world full of ugliness and deceit, she was a beacon of purity and beauty.

I clenched the compass tighter as a reminder that I knew my way even when the decisions I made were tough. She was my reminder.

After I had moved, I cut off all contact. The temptation to continue texting was too painful. At first, the council hadn’t believed my lies that Sydney knew nothing. They thought I was covering up for her. I had been challenged to cut off all communication so they could observe Sydney. I had, and Sydney hadn’t done anything out of character. After that, it was better, for Sydney’s sake, that I remained detached.

The ultimate goal was to protect the Alchemists.

She’d tried to communicate with me, like any friend would. Margaret passed along every message, but I left them unacknowledged.

Maybe someday.

Still… I ensured she was safe.

Sydney would never be at risk again.

As I promised Virgil, I would always take care of his Sydney, even if it was from a distance.

I embraced my position, knowing I helped make the world a better place.

I kept the dark from taking over the light.

Some might disagree as we can offer no tangible proof, but the world was a little bit better because of the Alchemists.

Quinn’s Journal

Part 1 - Quinn

A gasp slipped from my lips, causing every head in the room to turn in my direction. The heat on my cheeks was evidence of the blunder I had made. My mother motioned for me to join her at her side.