Chapter 15

Present

A canopy of green blocked out the sun, giving me a small reprieve from the blistering heat. Guards flanked my sides, sneering my way every so often. I was clothed. Fed. But grief drained my body and soul. Damos was close, his eyes scanning me from head to toe every chance he got.

He had wrapped a locket in my clothes. I still couldn't decide if it was a sign of mercy or cruelty. A drawing of Elliana's was kept safely inside, unlike her. Mother would find her body soon enough. Grief laced through my body once more and I collapsed to the ground. Agony more fierce than the Crowning shoved its way up my throat. I paused a second, eyes blurring from tears. A guard shoved me forward but instead the food from earlier this morning came rushing up.

I am loving my life.