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The dismissiveness of my most treasured recollections.
I’d walk out to the lagoon and cry into my hands. Sometimes, DaiSzek would join me, leaning against me so I could muffle my cries into his fur.
Every other day, I’d visit Ruth in the infirmary. I’d bring her wine and treats, and we’d kick Warrose out to hang out while we gossiped. We’d cry about traumatic memories from the prison, about the aftermath of our realities. I’d do my best to pull her out of her depression even though I was wrestling deeply with my own. Most of the time Marilynn would join us, and Niles would go have a guy’s day, because, in his words, he was one of the boys now!
And now, after four months, with the help of many colony members, over many long days of cutting wood and building a layout based on an old blueprint my dad made long agowe have a house!
It’s a massive cottage with a thatch roof, tall oak pillars, a stone base, and a front porch that stretches over the cliff. The perfect spot to drink our morning coffee and watch the sunrise over the lagoon. It’s heaven, and my dad knew it.
~
“Skylenna.”
My mind wakes gradually, but my eyes remain closed. I shift under the covers, rolling away from the noise.
“Someone is at the door.”
I feel Dessin climb out of his side of the king-size feather bed. The front door creaks open, and muffled voices swim back to my ears along with the midnight breeze. At the distinction of a woman’s voice, I sit up in bed, wiping my face and blinking away the blurry sheen of sleep.
What time is it?
Something white nudges the bedroom door open, trotting inside, then leaping to jump on my bed to greet me.
I snicker. “Were you sent in to wake me, Kira?!”
The white wolf queen steps into the doorway, illuminated by the glowing moonlight shining through the window. “I’m sorry to disturb ya slumber, dashna.”
“Is everything okay?” I make a feeble attempt at combing through the ruffled waves of my bed hair.
Asena sighs, glancing at the wolf snuggled between my legs.
“I have someone who wants to see ya, dashna. Someone who has been under my care for many years now.”
My sleepy gaze slides through the moonlit doorway to Dessin, shirtless, arms crossed, and looking just as curious as I feel.
“Who?”
She sits on the corner of my bed and reaches for my hand. “Do ya trust me?”
I nod.
“Then I think ya should see for ya-self.”
~
It’s three in the morning as we follow Asena through the Stormsage Keep.
The hallways are flooded with warmth from the torches and fireplaces. The air smells like roasting chestnuts and hot apple cider. It reminds me of the night we spent here. That dinner, I learned the city had a stronger hold on my eating habits than I realized. Kane was gentle, kind, and patient as I worked through it. He held me close as we fell asleep.
This all makes me tilt my head in his direction, walking slightly ahead of me with the glow of the aged sconces shimmering across the side of his face. His eyes are zoned out, mouth parted, body going through the motions of following Asena through the keep.
“Kane?” I ask.
It takes him a little longer to respond. He reacquaints himself with this location, then peers down at me.
“Hmm?”
I wonder if he switched because this place is a trigger for him.
