Chapter 65

The soft knocks on the door gradually grew louder and more forceful.

"Eithne, please open the door. I know you're inside."

"No, please go away. I want to be alone," came the reply from inside the chamber.

Hector stared at the closed door, anxious to know what had happened. It was rare to see Talisha so upset. She had rushed to him, pouring out her heart as she explained that she had seen Eithne in a terrible state running down the corridor, and she was almost sure she had heard her crying.

"Please, Eithne," he said softly, barely audible. He decided that it was useless to insist. He would try another time again, maybe the next day. He turned to leave, feeling confused about what had just happened. One thing was clear to him: things didn't turn out how he expected or wished for. He rubbed his neck. What went wrong?

The swish of the door opening made him snap his head back.

Eithne's head appeared in the opening.

"Come in," she said. Her familiar smile was absent, her eyes were red and p