Page 106 of A Grave Not Made For Mourning
Her eyes flash green for an instant before returning to their usual brown. Her pupils are still wide. She’ll need time to adjust, before she realizes what I’ve done. But for now, Calista exhales, settling back into herself.
And that’s it.
Chapter 21
Hills to Die On
Now
T
he thought of going to class leaves me hollow. Most thoughts do now, without what I once held so deeply.
Sometimes there is a weight in my hands, but when I look, I’m not carrying anything.
Somehow, in some way, I worry this is what Azaire feels. I didn’t take from him like Pa took from me, but I’m the reason he no longer wants to go to Folkara.
I took something from him, however small.
It doesn’t feel so bad. The Weapon is inconsequential.
As time passes, I begin to remember what the weight in my arms is. I remember I’m carrying something new, something to get used to.
The prophecy.
When I visit the kitchen for breakfast, there’s a new kind of emotion in me.
Deadlier than hope, but almost its kin.
Then Eudora gives me a sneaky smile.
I step toward her, resting my elbows on the counter. With a smile back, I ask, “You got it?”
“Of course I got it,” she replies, her tone playful. With a groan, she bends down beneath the counter, then stands up holding a brown bag. “It was mighty hard, but I found everything you asked for.”
“Oh, Eudora,” I breathe, grabbing the bag when she offers it to me. “Thank you so much.”
“It’s a nice thing you’re doing. Whatever Nepenthe it’s for, I doubt they felt any kindness since they got here. This isn’t a universe built for them.”
I sigh. “It doesn’t seem like it’s a universe built for anyone.”
Eudora smirks. “Only the richest Lyrians and Folk get the good stuff.” Her tone is light, but herexpression turns serious as she continues, “The rest of us get mud.”
“Scraps,” I add.
“Shit,” she finishes.
“Yeah,” I agree, “Shit.”
Anger fills me—a budding desire to do something impossible.
I swallow it.
“Thanks again.” I hold up the bag.
“A little kindness goes a long way.” Eudora smiles. “Thankyou. It’s your generation that’s going to mend our relationship with the Nepenthes.”
I nod, offering Eudora one last smile before I leave the kitchen.
