Page 279 of Cursed Evermore
“That’s not what I heard. It sounded like I missed quite a lot.” She smirked. "Word on the grapevine is that my brother turned down the beautiful, stick-up-her-ass Princess Seraphina for a mage from the Ravenwood. You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”
My cheeks turned red. I wasn’t sure what I could say to her, though, so I decided to play it safe. “I think you’ll have to ask your brother that one.” That was also my way of trying to get herand Wolfe talking again. I hoped she wouldn’t be offended by my attempt.
Zyrra laughed, to my relief. “Nice try.”
“I had to. It’s getting a little awkward not talking about you.”
“I know, and I hate putting you in the middle. Anyway, you should know that I’m excited for you both. Also, I kind of guessed you two may have become a couple, but that’s not why I’m here.” Her expression grew serious. “I heard what happened yesterday with the guard. Are you okay?”
I nodded slowly. “Yeah. I’m okay. It was just awful.”
“Of course. I can’t imagine what it must have been like seeing someone die like that. But I’m glad you’re okay and safe.”
“It helps being here.” I motioned around the books. “I can escape reality in books.”
Her smile widened. “It’s been an age since I walked these halls. And I’ve never been inside the library. Although it’s renowned throughout Galaythia even for those who aren’t mages.”
“I heard that.”
“It’s true. So, you’re in a good place. I hope it’s okay I came here. I picked up your essence and didn’t want to wait until you got back to the manor. There are too many people around. Especially Wolfe.”
“I understand.” I would have left it at that, but I couldn’t restrain myself any longer. Wolfe could be stubborn, but I knew he valued those he loved. With my impending reset, I also wanted to do something good. “If you don’t mind me saying so, I’m sure Wolfe would want to see you.”
“I don’t mind.” Zyrra sighed and nodded. “And yes. You’re right. I’m sure he’d want to see me. I want to see him, too. I miss him dearly but… I think I still need my space for a little longer.”
“How long has it been since you last spoke?”
“Eight months… and counting.” She sighed deeply. “That’s a very long time.”
“It is.”
“And here I am, talking about waiting even longer.” She shook her head. “I’m sure you’re even more curious about what happened between us.”
“I am, but I didn’t want to pry.”
“It’s okay. I guess I should tell you. The heart of the problem is that Wolfe has always blamed me for our mother’s death.”
My eyes widened. I was not expecting to hear that. “What do you mean?”
“Our mother got sick with the Slivershade blight. It’s a disease that… well, there’s no coming back. You’ll die eventually in the most horrific of ways.”
My breath slowed. “Is that how she died?”
“No. She ended it before things got that far. She didn’t want us to see her lose her soul and become… undead.”
My hand fell from my lap, and all I could do was stare at her. The grief in her expression was palpable, and she looked… lost. I felt terrible for her. And Wolfe. Poor Wolfe.
“I’m so sorry. Wolfe never told me.”
“He wouldn’t tell you anything until it’s absolutely necessary. You’d be lucky if you ever hear him talk about her. He took her death the hardest. It changed him. It broke him.”
I recalled the night of the festival. And how sad he’d looked as he spoke about his mother. I was so happy to be with him I held back on asking about her. I’d felt it wasn’t the right time. I was glad now that I’d trusted my instincts.
“Why do you think he blames you?”
“Because I got the blight, too, but I never told anyone.”
I gasped and looked her over. “Oh, my goodness.”
