Shattered

“How did you find Xantha?” Stella smiled while tending to her garden. Her fingers moved skillfully atop flowers, breathing new life into them through soft light emitting from her hands.

I was so mesmerized that I forgot to answer. Stella turned towards me, wiping her dirty hands against her jeans. I assume that she doesn’t even need to be in the garden to bring everything back to life, but Stella seems like the type of woman who appreciates the experience just as much as she does her magic.

“It was enlightening.”

She chuckled softly, “In a good way?” her brow raised, “Or....?”

My lips pulled down, “Both,” I shrugged, remembering Elliot’s words from last night.

Don’t cry, Lilliana.

“I’m sorry that you had to find out this way. Your father was a good man,” Stella gave me a forced smile.

“My father was a murderer.”

Stella winced, but took a deep breath, “Let’s talk inside.”

I followed Stella through the garden to a small greenhouse. She opened the door, and I was hit wi