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“What are you talking about?”
She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath before answering.
“Zion was found dead last night. They strung him up in the woods, hanging from a branch. His body was so mutilated, we almost didn’t know it was him, but we found a piece of parchment with his name on it. He was on his way to deliver it to another human dorm. It was addressed to his girlfriend. He told Silas where he was going, and he still died.”
“If he still died, then what good does telling anyone do? If I’m going to die either way, then what is the point? Why should I live my life in fear?”
“So that I know where to look for your dead fucking body when you wind up missing. That’s the fucking point.”
I flinch.
“I’m sorry, Riya. I didn’t know about Zion.”
“Of course, you didn’t. Because you never listen at meetings anymore, if you even go. You don’t talk to anyone anymore, even me. What is going on with you?”
“Nothing! I’ve just been exhausted from working so much.”
“So it isn’t because of this person you’re seeing? Are they bad to you?”
“No, it’s not – and no, they’re not. It’s not like that.”
Lie, lie, lie. I hate having to do this.
“So where were you?”
“What?”
“Where were you just now?”
“Why do you want to know so bad?”
“Because I saw you walking out of the woods just now, and you looked pretty distraught.”
She saw me walking out of the woods? Fuck, is there a chance she saw Thali?
“Like I said, I’m just tired.”
“So then where were you? Why won’t you answer me?”
“I was just taking a walk, Riya.”
“Alone?”
“Yes, alone.”
She sighs. “Can you please just ask me to come with you next time? It’d make me feel better. I hate worrying about you. Things have been so bad for our faction lately, and I don’t want to lose anyone else.”
“You don’t have to worry about me. I can take care of myself. I’ve done it my whole life.”
“I know you have, and I know that you didn’t grow up with any family, so you aren’t used to people caring this much, but you have me now. I’m your best friend, Brielle. If you die, I’ll be all alone,” she says, a tear falling down her face.
I hate myself for making her feel this way. She’s always been good to me. She doesn’t deserve this. I wish I could just tell her the truth, but I know she would freak out. She would probably turn me into Declan, our faction leader, just to get me to stop seeing Thali.
“I’m sorry, Riya. I promise to be more careful. I’ll tell you the next time I plan on going out. But you really don’t have to worry so much. Besides, I’m a really fast runner, so if anyone tries to grab me, I’m sure I could get away.” I smile, trying to lighten the mood.
“It’s not a joke. No matter how fast you think you are, dark elves are ten times faster. I know you love the peace and quiet in the woods, and I love you for that, but if you go back there after Zion was murdered there, then you’re a fool. Stay away or face the consequences, Brielle.”
My blood runs cold.
