Megan stuffed the last of her clothes into her bag. She didn't know where she was going, but she wanted to be alone - truly alone. That's how she felt. Warren was beyond help and she and Dale had never been super close. For the first time in her life, she was isolated with no where to go, but with no intention of stopping. She had invested her entire life into this search. It had only been about a year, but it felt like an eternity. The Knights of the Dawn probably thought she was dead. Dale probably feared the worst. Who knew what the Sorensens were thinking? They hadn't parted on the best of terms. She had been desperate and angry. She just wished she could work up the courage to apologize in person. She'd sent who knows how many letters, but she knew deep down that it wasn't enough to write it. She had to say it. Her mind wavered between returning to Fablehaven and losing herself in the wilderness somewhere.

There was a soft knock at the door. Dallen entered upon her beckoning. "You okay?"

Megan tried to put on a brave face. "Yeah. I'm fine."

He gave her a knowing look. "I take it that's why you're leaving and why you haven't left your room since we got back."

She sighed. "Okay. So I'm a little upset, but isn't that understandable." Her hands clenched into fists. "That creature was my last chance to get my brother back."

Dallen sat down on the bed next to her suitcase. "I get it. I lost my brother too, but there comes a point when you have to let it go."

Megan dropped onto the bed next to him, trying and failing to hold back tears. "But he's not dead. I can still save him. He's waiting for me to save him."

"You know, not everything depends on you." He placed a calming hand on her shoulder. "Sometimes you have to let someone else be the hero."

She gave him a weak smile. "Thanks, Dallen."

He stood up then reached for his back pocket. "I almost forgot. This came for you in the mail."

Megan accepted the envelope and nodded her thanks to Dallen as he exited the room.

Looking down at the stained paper, Megan was shocked to find that it was from Dale. How had he known where to send it? She ripped open the envelope careful not to damage the letter inside. When she unfolded it, she found a lengthy message describing the events of the past several months.

Megan,
I hope this letter finds you well. How has your search been going? I cannot dare to hope that you've found a solution, but as the days stretch into months I keep thinking you'll come bursting through the gate with a cure in your hands. There hasn't been a lot of activity around here. It's a little boring without you causing trouble or riling up Fablehaven's occupants. I miss you so much. Whether you've figured it out or not, I want you to come back. Please.
In other news, the Sorensen's grandkids have come over for the summer. It didn't take them too long to figure out Fablehaven's secret. Kendra was the one who actually figured it out. She's logical and realistic. I'd like to see how the two of you get along. Seth is the younger one. Kendra used him as a lab rat to drink the milk. He's adventurous and a little fool-hardy. I think you'd like him.
Warren still hasn't improved. I know you don't want to hear it, but time is not the answer. My search has gone cold. I hope you're having better luck. Don't get yourself killed trying to solve this. Despite what you might think, you can't do everything. Just bring yourself home safe.
Your brother,
Dale

Megan blinked back tears. He wanted her to come home. How could she do that when Warren wasn't improving? The part about Seth and Kendra intrigued her. She would love to meet the two of them, but it didn't feel right to abandon the search like that. Dale hadn't explained how he had known where to send the letter, but she didn't really care anymore. She had to find a way to bring Warren back. That's all she cared about. Dale had warned her not to kill herself while looking for a cure, but she was ready to do so if it meant healing her brother. But until she found a way to save him, she would stay alive. No matter what.