Page 118 of The Splendor of Fire

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Eyes finding the ticks on the wall, she studied the markers of time. In the beginning some were whole, some scratched out. He must have been mistaken about a new day a few times. And then, after a month’s worth of ticks the marks became steady. Every six marks, a long mark extended down with an FA beside it.

FA…Father Allen. Two marks bore a heart, a small letter within…M.For Moira.

Her heart gave an almighty shudder. He cared for her, even in the beginning? When he’d insulted her? When she’d sketched Gabriel, and he told her how much he regretted kissing her?

Straining her eyes, she made out something else etched into the darkened corner of the cell. More words.

Moira Allen.All her secrets…a little dash.

Mysteries in her eyes.

Beautiful eyes.

Golden curls.

Soft skin.

Lavender and freedom.

Delicious food.

Stubborn.

Principled.

Bold.

Funny.

Heart of gold.A small heart sketched beside.

Observant.

Talented.

Smart.

Brave.

Selfless.

Healer of body.

Healer of soul.

She followed the list of her superlatives all the way to the floor where he’d run out of room. She swept the rushes away with her hands, finding that it continued on the stone floor.

No voice, but she

speaks to my soul.

Companion.

Friend.

Love in her kiss.

Fire in her soul.

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