Page 78 of The Call of Crimson
Memories crash over me?—
Nameah’s body limp in my arms.
Layne’s blood staining my dress.
My mother’s final breath.
My hand trembles violently. The knife slips from my fingers, clattering against the stones.
“Stay with me, love,” Ayden murmurs, crouching in front of me, anchoring me with his steady hands.
“I-I’m sorry,” I stammer, trying to shake myself out of the memories.
“It’s okay, Breyla.” His voice is low, firm. “I’m going to take you to your room now.”
The walk back is a blur. I barely register the castle walls, the guards stationed outside my door, the heavy click of the lock behind me.
None of it matters.
Moving on instinct alone, I shove the dresser in front of the door. Only then do I exhale, sinking to the floor.
I don't bother undressing. Forming my shadows into jagged edges, I slice the cursed dress from my body, the fabric falling away in ribbons, blood welling where my shadows bite too deep.
I welcome the sting, letting it distract me from the emotional turmoil happening inside my own head.
Crawling into bed naked, I wrap the thick duvet around my trembling body.
And I cry.
Three shades of blue eyes stare back at me every time I shut my eyes. The glacial hue of my mother’s, Layne’s deep navy, and finally, Nameah’s piercing blue irises.
Eyes that will never see again because of me.
Sobs rack my body as I let it all go. I hadn’t thought of or cried for them in weeks. That guilt makes me cry harder.
Eventually, the grief drags me into a fitful, broken sleep.
When I awake, it’s dark outside. I must have fallen asleep sometime around lunch, and now it looks to be well past dinner.
Ayden sits on the end of my bed, a plate of food in hand. “How are you?”
“What time is it?” I rasp, ignoring the question.
“Just past eight.”
I nod numbly and reach for the plate.
He hands it over, watching silently as I devour the roast lamb, vegetables, and crusty bread.
“Aurelius?” I ask when I can finally speak.
“He’s free,” Ayden says. “I cleared him of any suspicion or wrongdoing.”
I pause, fork halfway to my mouth. “What happened?”
Ayden sighs heavily, running a hand through his hair. “His Gift picked up on something off about that guard. Apparently, the guard intended to attack you with that poisoned blade you found. Aurelius acted before he had the chance.”
I lower the plate to my lap, swallowing hard.
