Page 22 of A Raven Revived

Few

She nodded, and he punched the air in celebration.

He furrowed his brow for a moment, concentrating, before writing a riddle for her.

By Moon or by Sun, I shall be found.

Yet I am undone, if there's no light around.

He held up a finger to his right, their time must be up. Daisy quickly copied the riddle onto her own slate. He pressed his hand against the window and mouthed the word, “Tomorrow.”

She placed her hand up to his, and with a nod, he turned and left. The pain it caused her to watch him walk away made her know one thing: whatever this was between them, it had to stop. In the end, she would lose him.

It wasn’t as if he’d marry her. He hadn’t even wanted that before. Now, her reputation was beyond destroyed, and even if she returned home, her father was unlikely to provide her a dowry.

How had she let this happen? For three years, she’d been so strong, so independent, she hadn't needed anyone. But in just a few short days, Fitz had recaptured her heart.

She sat on the edge of her bed and breathed out a long sigh, tears already threatening. She knew what she had to do, even if she didn’t want to. It was time for her to leave.

In a bit of a daze, she made her way down the hall toward Ash’s office. She needed to talk to him before she had a chance to change her mind.

He gave her his usual welcoming smile and invited her in.

“Are you alright, Daisy?” His brow dipped in concern as he looked at her.

She had to clench her teeth to keep the tears at bay, so she simply nodded. After closing the door, she faced it for a moment, drawing a deep breath and steeling herself. She swallowed the lump in her throat and slowly turned to face Ash.

“What is it, Daisy?”

Cold gradually filled her body as she struggled to force the words out.

“It’s time for me to go. Do you still have a position available on your estate?”

“Yes,” he said without hesitation. “But why now? Has he done something to hurt you?” He tried to keep the anger from his voice, but she could see the muscles in his jaw tighten.

“No,” she said quickly. “No, of course not.” She breathed a long, slow breath. “I’m falling in love with him, again, and if I don’t go now, losing him a second time might just crush me.” A single tear burned a path down her cheek, and she turned her eyes toward the ceiling, trying to stop any more from following.

Ash squeezed her hand. “I can send him away, Daisy. You don’t have to be the one to go.”

She shook her head. “If I go, it’s best for everyone. It gets me out of your hair and frees up space for another woman to come in. It also allows Fitz to invest in The Raven’s Den as he wanted to, and perhaps that will make him happy.”

“Please tell me you’re not making this decision because you think it’s what’s best for me and for Fitz. What about what’s best for you, Daisy?”

“I’ve made up my mind, Ash. Don’t make me run away instead.”

He closed his eyes for a moment and let out a long sigh.

“When would you like to leave?”

Before she lost her nerve. “As soon as possible.”

He squeezed her hand again and nodded. “Go and pack. We’ll get you on the next train.”

ChapterSeven

“Miss Daisy.” An older man with kindness in his eyes and a welcoming smile gave her a small bow before helping her to step down from the carriage. “I’m Benson, and I will be at your disposal for anything you might require.” He took her valise, and a footman carried the rest of her belongings inside.

“It’s nice to meet you, Benson.”

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