Worship her or loathe her, no one will let my keeper or her name rest in peace.
It’s torture of the purest kind. I won’t sit here and listen to it anymore.
“Get out,” I warn him.
The prophet perseveres. “Everything is about to change. I have sensed Maven Oakley.”
“From the Beyond?” I snap. “In case you haven’t noticed, my keeper isdead, so keep her precious name out of your godsforsaken mouth before you join your friend.”
When he has the gall to open his mouth again, I freeze him, too.
Lillian starts to protest, but I turn and stride out of the room. I’m too riled up and volatile right now. Being around anyone is a bad idea unless they deserve it, which she doesn’t.
Lillian catches up with me as I storm back through the large courtyard.
“Everett—”
“Save it.”
“It’s not about what you just did. Please slow down.”
I don’t want to slow down. I want to get to the only place I’ve wanted to be for six months—at the honorary graveside of my keeper, whose body the gods didn’t even leave for me to mourn.
Lillian huffs. “Wait. Everett?—”
“What?”I demand, whirling to face her as snow flurries around us. “Just spit it the fuck out!”
Lillian winces, stumbling, and I realize ice just encapsulated one of her feet.
Shit.
Now shame is mixing with the bile and anger. I glare at the ice I summoned by accident. Even after it’s melted, Lillian waits patiently for me to calm down, which just makes me regret losing my temper more.
I cover my ruined face and try to even out my breathing. “I wasn’t trying to?—”
“I know. It’s all right.”
It’s not all right.I’mnot all right. I will never be all right again, because the memory of my snowdrop’s beautiful voice is like a dagger in my head.
I love you.
Ravens squawk nearby, fluttering to places where they can see me better.
Lillian is quiet for a moment before sighing. “You haven’t eaten since Sunday. I made soup and bread. If you sit down with me for a proper meal, maybe you’ll feel bet?—”
“I’m not hungry,” I manage, but I know I sound tired as hell.
Lillian clearly wants to protest out of concern, but she shivers because the snowfall has gotten more severe the longer I’ve beenout here. She motions for me to follow and hurries back into the castle for its little warmth. I go indoors and start toward the isolated western wing of the castle because I haven’t checked on the iron prison yet today.
She doesn’t leave my side, blowing warm air into her hands as she tries to find the right words. “I think you should have listened to more of what that high prophet had to say.”
“No need. It was a lie. They keep leeching off of her memory, and it’s fucking disgusting.”
“This time could be different,” Lillian insists gently. “I’ve heard a lot of prophecies and listened to a lot of holy people throughout my life, Everett. I know he’s truly clairvoyant. Maybe?—”
We both slow to a stop when we hear the screaming.
“Foirnach ahr stad! Oculi ima mo’ceblath uraiseth!”Silas screams from inside the old classroom that he converted into a prison.
