Page 58 of Ghosts and Ginger Tea

“I’m not sure…”

“I believe your mother didn’t just die by accident,” he said, speaking quicker with each word. “Keanu has allowed foreigners to roam among the people. He knows it will kill us, but he doesn’t do anything about it.”

I thought about what Keanu had said earlier that day. He didn’t see the foreigners as a threat, and he allowed them because of Kane.

“He’s trying to get you to sacrifice yourself, don’t you get it?” Malakai sighed, impatient. I stopped on the path and faced him.

“How do I know you’re not trying to get answers out of me?”

“I promise you, I know my cousin better than anyone else. All he cares about is keeping the throne. He doesn’t truly care about his people or even about you, Oliana.”

I blinked, hoping the hurt of that statement didn’t reach my eyes. I wanted to believe Keanu cared about me.

“He only cares about himself. That’s why he took your days. That’s why he’s letting them waste away. He’ll take as many days as he can get. He didn’t even feel guilty about taking your father’s days either.”

I froze.

Malakai frowned. “He didn’t tell you?”

My head kept spinning. “He told me…” And Keanu would keep this cycle going… or would he?

Keanu took my father’s days… Perhaps this was the truth that I hid under my romantic feelings: Keanu didn’t care for me. He didn’t care for anyone, except himself. He would take anyone’s days just to live longer.

Live forever. Keanu was defying Kāne. He was outright disrespecting him! I tried to swallow, but none of this felt real.

I really believed Keanu loved me. He made it seem so real.

But none of this is real. Nothing. Was. Real. I had known it from the start.

What a fool you are, Oli! A fool!

“What do you suggest I do?” I asked. My nerves were already so fragile from my mother’s death, I couldn’t think clearly.

“You have to break the curse. He can’t become a night marcher again. He’ll just keep stealing people’s lives.” Malakai looked desperate.

My voice felt tight as I said, “But… he has to become one with the shadow. He’s already played the deadliest game–”

“Which is?”

“Falling in love with me.”

Malakai gaped. “Are you sure he’s in love with you?” Then he looked sorry. “Are you in love with him?”

“I… I don’t know.” I started shaking.

His cousin sighed. “I truly feel sorry he’s tricked you, Oliana. You must help him become one with the shadow and pay the price. You shouldn’t have to atone for his wrongs.”

Before I could reply, Malakai looked down the path.

“Oli?” Keanu’s voice sounded.

“Don’t let him fool you,” Malakai warned in haste. “I promise you. He’s not who you think he is.”

“Oli!” Keanu came jogging down the path, his expression turning from relief to concern. He looked from me to Malakai. “What’s going on here?” ‌

I was white with terror. I couldn’t even look Keanu in the eye.

He’s not who you think he is…