“We will find a weakness, Ever. We’ve come this far. I’m not giving up.”Ten looks up at me as men surround him and Crimson. They don’t hold either of them, but rather offer them no other option, corralling them out of the camp.
“I know where they’re taking you both. It’s a cave. It’s dark. But I won’t let them hurt either of you again.”I shout the words, hating that they are separating us so soon.
Fenix watches on, but doesn’t go with them, apparently confident that his men will keep them secure.
“Now what?” I turn to him, my frustration shortening my words.
“Now, we wait for the Usher, have supper, and I’m sure the two of you might want to catch up.” He nods to the side, and I turn to see Kalan a few steps behind me. They didn’t take him away with the others.
“I have nothing to say to him.”
“Oh, harsh. You’ve decided his fate without hearing a word of what he has to say? I do hope that you’ll be more open-minded when it comes to our training. Although I think that might be hard for you.”
I reign in my emotions and think of Kyra and her technique and the patience she showed me, but as soon as Kalan steps into my field of vision, it all explodes inside of me.
I’m that little girl again, clasping the brooch in her hand and feeling like the luckiest girl in the world. The same girl who spoke to the Jarkoreth, as understanding dawned. That this was given to me for a purpose. Not just a silly object that I thought was special for sentimental reasons.
“How could you? How could you let me believe that my life was a lie?” I scream the words, and they rip and tear at the shredded wounds that Lyle had already inflicted in my soft heart.
I march off, trailing in the direction they took Ten and Crimson.
“You’ll need to let me explain, Ever. There’s a lot to tell you.”
sixteen
. . .
Ever
No.
I shake my head and keep following Ten.
Nobody except for me and Ten knows that we can still communicate with one another, and right now, it’s the only lifeline we have. That I have.
I ignore Kalan, who’s behind me.“I’m sorry, Ten.”I shout the words, desperate to make sure he hears.
“Look out for him, Ever. I don’t trust Kalan.”
“I don’t either.”But as the anger simmers down, I know I need to hear what Kalan has to say.I swallow down the fear that comes with that admission.
“I’m so sorry, Ten.”The words rush into my mind, as if I need to tell him while I can.“You’ll never know how grateful I am that you’re here.”
The connection between us wavers, but I can still feel him, and I wait, anxious to hear him inside my mind again.
“You never have to be sorry, Ever. And you’ll never be in the dark again.”
“The cave is at the base of a mountain,”I blurt.“Past a large boulder, surrounded by trees.”I’m aware that I’m not alone and can’t stay locked in our mental communication too much longer.
“Why are you so focused on the trees? Don’t worry. I told you I wouldn’t harm your friends.”
I pull my focus to mybrother,who’s at my side. “Sorry if I choose not to believe anything you have to say to me.”
“Still struggling with trust, I see.”
“That goes both ways. Now, I presume I’m not going to be locked away in that cave again now that it has two new guests.”
“You’ll have sufficient accommodations. Don’t worry. Shall we go and hear what Kalan has to say? I’ve been looking forward to this.” That bitter taste is back in my mouth at the thought.
