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“Then who did?”
“No one. I ran away and exiled myself.”
“Why?”
“It was the only way to disappear.”
If her eyes widen any more, they might fall out of her skull. “And why did you need to disappear?”
Because the moment my coven learned of my floramancy, they made me do unspeakable things.
Because I’m the reason Rory was Adelphi’s Sacrifice, why so many have been murdered to grow the mortal kings’ armies.
Because I resurrected the First Hunter over and over again until it blackened my soul.
Until I permanently killed her and swore I’d never kill again.
I open my mouth, knowing I need to say something, but I’m unable to find any words whatsoever.
Her eyes soften as she whispers, “It doesn’t matter why you ran, Gwyn. Sometimes running is the bravest thing someone can do. No matter what your reasons were, I’m glad you put yourself first.”
I card my fingers through Achlys’s fur. “I’m glad you put yourself first too.”
Guilt swirls around my belly.
Would she be thanking me if she knew the truth?
Would she be having this conversation with me at—
“Would you like a palm reading?” she asks. “My friend taught me, and I’d love to try it on someone living.”
Her eyes glitter with hope, and I can’t find it in myself to say no.
Not after what I indirectly put her through.
“Sure.”
Between one breath and the next, she’s kneeling before me, taking the teacup out of my hand, and setting it on the table. She turns my palm toward her and traces the long line slicing across the middle of my hand.
“Hmm,” she hums, finger drawing still.
My gaze drifts to hers just to find her eyes lit from within, no longer golden but pure, unblemished white. No pupil in sight.
“Rory?” I ask, thoroughly spooked.
She doesn’t reply.
“Um, Quill?” I call out. “Something’s wrong with—”
“Fuck.” Quill turns to Riven. “Would you watch her while I fetch a compress?”
Riven gives the barest nod, and his brother darts from the room.
With his mouth set in a grim line, he comes to stand beside me.
I don’t move, unsure if slipping my hand from hers would help pull her from wherever she’s disappeared to within her mind or perhaps make it worse.
After another minute, I finally work up the nerve to ask Riven, “What’s wrong with her?”
