Page 83 of Where Darkness Falls

I dreamt of grand adventures that accompanied an extraordinary life, but now, I’d give anything to have one more meal with my family in that little village. Amelia and Rolph would know what to say to ease my mind and heart in this burdening moment.

I’ve been chosen by Siorai to awaken the Na Fíréin…Whatever that means.

I’ve been given a rare ability, yet I don’t wear the signet tattoo on my skin.

There’s something I am missing—a piece to the puzzle that I have yet to unlock.

I just hope I figure it out sooner rather than later.

“Where do you go when you drift away?” Emyr murmurs. “You always look so?—”

Emyr pauses, as if trying to find the right word.

“At ease?” I tease.

He shakes his head. “Frightened,” he deadpans.

As I open my mouth to respond, an orc maid walks in with a tray of food, as another maid trails behind her with a lovely satin dress, the deepest shade of crimson. “Gooooiiidddd mooooiiiirrnnnnn’ tiooooo yoooeeeuuuu, Mieeess Caaaiiiilllleee,” she beams.

“Hello,” I reply.

The head maid offers me one of the most horrifying grins I’ve ever seen, but I know she means it to be comforting. It took me by surprise yesterday to see such creatures roaming the halls, but I’ve found the majority of the staff to be kind. At least, I assume they are since none have threatened to eat me yet.

She sets the tray of porridge and fruit in front of me; the sight causes my stomach to growl. A small groan of delight escapes my lips as I devour the meal before me. Truly, it’s some of the best porridge I’ve ever eaten. I didn’t realize how famished I was until that first warm morsel hit my tastebuds.

“Enjoying yourself, Rosey?” Emyr teases.

I honestly forgot that he’s still here.

The head maid glances at him. “Eeeeeiimmmeeyyyyrrr, yooeeeuuu muiist leeeaaaiivvee. Weeeiii neeeeiidddd to heeeiillp heeeeuuurr dreeeiiss,” the maid scolds.

He chuckles. “Okay, Tilly. I’ll leave.”

Tilly’s complexion deepens into what I assume is a blush as she makes a snorting sound that I supposeis a laugh.

He turns his gaze to me, winking once. “I will be back to retrieve you in an hour,” he says, exiting the chamber. “Don’t leave this room until I arrive. I’d hate for a spirit to torment you without cause.”

I laugh, smiling at the slight flutter in my chest.

Perhaps the High General has a heart after all.

I’m grinningas I walk down the corridor toward the Cadres’ chambers. I hardly notice the shrieking spirits or temperamental palace staff, and it is all because of her.

The quirk of her lips when she finds something amusing.

The way her dark blue eyes light up when she’s happy.

How I wish she were happy more often because her joy brightens this dreary realm.

The way her cheeks deepen when I am near.

The feel of her hand in mine.

I wonder what it’d feel like, touching her without my gloved armor between us.

Even her bloody tantrumsintrigue me.

Every time I’m with Maeva, a deceased part of me spurns back to life within my chest. There’s a glow to her that reminds me of contentment and dreams that I could’ve had were I not confined to this life.

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