#Chapter 227: The Divide

Chris The helicopter ride felt longer than usual, my mind constantly drifting back to Moonstone and Ava. I hated that I was leaving during so much turmoil, hated to say goodbye to Ava, even if only for a few days; but I knew it was necessary. Still, by the time we landed in the city, I was already feeling the ache of separation. And that ring in my pocket was feeling heavier than ever. As Ophelia and I hailed a cab to our hotel, I slipped my hand into my pocket, rubbing my thumb across the little velvet box. I had carried it everywhere with me in recent weeks, constantly feeling the urge to propose to Ava but always stopping myself at the last minute. I should do it when I get back, I thought to myself. As soon as I get off the helicopter… Ava knew it was coming, of course. She thought that I was teasing her, messing with her by dropping to one knee in front of her all those times. But I hadn’t been teasing. Those efforts had been genuine, but…