Page 42 of Reflections of Peonies
It wouldn’t have been all that bad. “Well, next time, you need to hold me more accountable.” I waved my hand and nodded. The solution was obvious. Tomorrow morning, I’d start yoga. I’d read studies that deep breathing techniques were amazing for teaching self-control.
“I should hold you accountable by allowing you to infest the realm with your demons?” Julian’s voice was still tight. “Plus, you almost killed someone just last month in your father’s conference room. You almost killed Bryce a few days ago! I had to stop you both times!”
That was true, but would the last one really have been a loss?
I pulled myself to my feet, already planning my new routine. I could also meditate at night before my evening channeling.
I looked at Titus, who was staring out the window. “What are you waiting for?” I asked him. “No one is stopping you from going anymore.”
Titus blinked at me. “What do you mean?”
I gestured toward the door. “Are you going to get Bianca or not? You’re in the best position to convince her to come back.”
“What do you mean?” Brayden sat up straighter. “Where did she go?”
Titus took one step towards the door, then looked back to me. He was eager but somewhat wary, considering the circumstances and their history. “Do you think it’s been long enough? She was pretty upset.”
“It should be.” I touched my chin as I looked at the clock. “She’s been outside for a while. She’ll probably have cooled down by now. Put her in your room tonight. I’ll sort out another room for her tomorrow.” I wonder—maybe that empty space between mine and Julian’s?
“Outside?” Brayden shot to his feet. “Why in the world is she outside?”
Titus left without responding. Meanwhile, I moved toward the dust cabinet. “All right, everyone, we need to clean up before she gets back—”
“You clean up after yourself.” Julian stood up and refused the broom that I offered him. “I’m going to my room.”
“Julian,” I began. But why? We’d agreed to take turns.
“I’m holding you accountable,” Julian snapped, stalking toward the door. “Maybe sometimes you can clean up after your own mistakes.”
Then he was gone, leaving Miles, Brayden, and me looking at the empty doorway.
“Well…” I wasn’t sure how to respond, but since he’d already left us, it was too late anyway. I was getting the impression that he was upset, though, which was odd.
He’d always said I should learn to control myself. He should be happy about this.
“Hey.” Brayden stepped in front of me. “Why is Bianca outside?”
“Don’t worry about it,” I told him and started to sweep up the glass. “Titus is getting her now. Why don’t you sit down and wait?”
“I’m not going to not worry!” Brayden started. “You did something! Now tell me what—”
Miles, who had been quietly observing, stepped forward. “While you do this, why don’t I show Brayden to a room? I can also get Bryce’s room ready. Where do you want them to stay?”
I paused in the midst of sweeping the broken glass and considered.
WhereshouldBryce Dubois sleep?
The possibilities were endless.
8
Bianca POV
The rain had cleared not long ago,but the air was still damp, and the cold autumn air pressed around me. The small shelter I’d found—a hideaway at the base of a large oak—hadn’t done much to protect me from the elements. I was soaked, shoeless, and shivering but didn’t dare return. There was only one thought replaying repeatedly in my head: They knew.
I was so ashamed I wanted to die.
My first hint was the stillness of the atmosphere, and then the night turned quiet. The heat rose across my chest as I pulled my face from my knees, already knowing what I’d see.
