“We’re about to head over there,” Trina says, getting up. “Our magic can’t heal anyone, but sometimes we can make people more comfortable. I think it’s worth doing.”
“And I’ll be heading to the manor afterwards,” Sadie says. “The elders are pretty freaked out, but they are using the time wisely. I’m going to help them research and try to find a new angle to this curse.”
“Okay,” I reply, nodding. “I appreciate your help. Thank you.”
“You just let us know if there’s anything else we can do,” Trina says, giving me a quick hug. “We’re all fighting with you.”
“Yes, we are,” Sadie says, giving my arm a squeeze. Before she leaves the room, she turns and gives Hyacinth a smile. “You’ll let me know if there’s any development?” Sadie asks her. “And you’ll think about everything I’ve said?”
“Of course,” Hyacinth replies with a small smile.
Sadie appears satisfied and leaves, but the room echoes with unsaid words.
What is going on here? Can the others feel those bad vibes from Hyacinth?
“Hello, Shane,” Hyacinth says, not meeting my eyes.
“Hi,” I reply, struggling to think of something to say.
I can’t stay cooped up in here with her—I’ll go insane!
“How would you like it if we went out to dinner?” I ask. “It’s too late to cook, and I’m beat. I’d love a decent meal cooked by somebody else, if you’re up for it.”
Hyacinth looks up at me in surprise, and her face breaks into a smile. “I’d like that,” she says. “Let me just go and get changed.”
She disappears down the hallway, and I go up to my own room, dressing in some more presentable clothes and combing my hair. When I see myself in the mirror, I look like I’ve aged ten years, and it makes me sigh.
I don’t even care. I’d sacrifice myself for the pack if it would work.
When I reach the living room, Hyacinth is waiting for me. She’s wearing a deep blue dress of shiny fabric, tight around the bodice but with a flowing, loose skirt that hangs to herknees. The shade seems to deepen the hue of her eyes. The light makeup she’s put on enhances her red lips, pale skin, and blush across her cheeks.
“You look beautiful,” I say, meaning it.
She nods, taking a small step away from me. “Thank you,” she says with a sideways look that implies even though she’s accepted the compliment, she’s not going to get any closer to me.
We drive out to a small Italian restaurant and get a quiet table in the back. Once we’ve ordered, I realize we’re now trapped in a tiny well of awkward silence. Being in public has made it even worse.
Struggling for things to say, it occurs to me that small talk isn’t going to cut it.
We need to get to the quick of this. Pretending this situation is less than it is only hurts us.
“What made you decide to move to Silver Valley?” I ask. “You haven’t been here that long, have you?”
She shakes her head, giving me a hard look. “I don’t know how much I want to talk about my past.”
“And I don’t want to pressure you. But we have to make progress. It’s the only way to find out if you’re the right person or not.”
She nods slowly. “Okay, I understand that, but I’m not ready to give you all the details of my life before.” She takes a deep breath. “I came here to be independent and build a life I love. I didn’t plan on getting kidnapped and ripped out of my home, not to mention my business.”
“I’m sorry,” I reply, meaning it. “I really am. I don’t know what came over me that night. I heard the council talking, and Ifelt I had to take action. A very good friend of mine had just died. I definitely wasn’t rational.”
“Oh,” she says softly. “I’m very sorry. I never gave much thought to that.”
“I should show you the infirmary,” I reply, sighing. “But it’s just not a nice place to be. I want you to understand how serious this is, but at the same time, it’s utterly heartbreaking.”
Hyacinth laces her fingers together, thinking. Our food arrives, and both of us stay quiet until the server leaves.
“I do want to help,” she says. “But how? I don’t know what to do.”
