Page 73 of Staff of Nightfall

“Stop—stop saying that.” Her eyes glistened with unshed tears.

“I...” Regulus slammed his fist into the ground. “I don’t know what to do! I don’t know what else to say!” He punched the ground again and released a deep-throated scream. “I should never have left you. I failed you, and I’m sorry.” A tear raced down the side of his nose while he stared at the grass stuck to his knuckles.

What would she want? For him to listen? To hold her? To leave her alone? He couldn’t forget what he saw, what he felt of her emotions. He wanted to help, and he didn’t know how.

“Tell me how to make it right.” His voice cracked. “Tell me what to do!”

Adelaide knelt in front of him. Her fingers lifted his chin. He wasn’t prepared to feel her emotions, but they hit him anyway. Humiliation she had no reason to bear. Grief that struck at his heart like a hammer. Rage that had turned ice cold. And love he didn’t deserve.

“Nolan Carrick owes me an apology.” The strength in her voice belied the tremor of her lips. “You’re not the guilty party.”

She placed her hands on his shoulders, then moved them up to the back of his neck, her thumbs rubbing back and forth behind his ears. “You really...” Her lips parted. “You don’t think I’m weak. You don’t blame me for being afraid.”

Regulus pushed her hair out of her face. “I would never. And you’re so much stronger than you realize. So much stronger than I am.”I don’t know how you’re holding together.

Adelaide laughed through her tears. “Please. Where do you think I’m getting my strength?” She embraced him, her body pressing against his. As he hugged her back and tucked his face into her shoulder, he promised himself that so far as was in his power, he would never leave her alone again.

After a while, she pulled away. “I need to, um...you know. I’ll be right back.” His hand slipped down her arm as she stood and walked away.

Alfred watched her go, his expression pained. “Did Carrick...” Alfred’s neck bulged as he swallowed.

“He kissed her and put his hands on her.” Regulus stood, feeling weary, ill, and murderous. “He threatened her. And he...got too close. But no.”

“I suppose I should be thankful for that,” Alfred said, his voice hollow. “But I’m too angry and heartbroken to care. He violated her mind, if not her body.” He met Regulus’ eyes. “Carrick has to die.”

Chapter 28

Adelaide washed herface in the brook. The cool water somehow eased some of the emotional strain. She didn’t understand how this bond she had created worked. Why and how had Regulus seen her memories? When she first realized what had happened, she had thought she might either faint or vomit.

Regulus not only knowing but watching what Carrick had done...her failure to stop him... It added to her humiliation. She had feared he would see her as broken and used and worthless as she felt. Yet when she touched him, she sensed no judgment or disappointment. Just understanding, sorrow, and love. And fury.

She splashed water onto the back of her neck and massaged her tight muscles. She had also sensed his pride as he told her she was strong. If only she could agree. Simultaneously wanting Regulus’ touch and dreading it didn’t feel strong. Neither did the way the involuntary memories of Nolan’s assault or Kirven’s torture sent her pulse racing. But Regulus and Father looked at her and called her strong.

The gnawing in her stomach drove her back to the others. Dresden intercepted her and held out a handful of fresh-picked black berries.

“We just found them. Over there.” He gestured to the left, not meeting her eyes. “They’re sweet and refreshing.” He pushed his hand out further.

---