And what a shit guess this turned out to be.
I’ve found an abundance of ash and more questions than I had before.
“What happens when you find her?” Eve asks and my eyes race to hers.
I remain silent.
“What are you going to do?”
I haven’t gotten that far.
Aside from wanting to run a dagger through her heart, contemplating what I’ll do when I do find her isn’t something I’ve given thorough thought. Not when finding her seems monumentally impossible.
“If you do find her, and she’s no longer a goddess,” Eve shatters the silence, “how will she return your innate?”
My jaw clenches.
“Consider letting it go,” she urges, her voice quiet. “Today’s a good day to let things go.”
“I can’t do that,” I whisper. “It may take me centuries, but I’ll find her.”
One way or another, she’ll regret using me as Netharis had.
Eve sighs, turning her attention to the colorful array of aster, phlox, yarrow, and tansies as I slowly spin the bouquet in my hands, contending with my thoughts. Eve’s questions ring in my head. And despite trying to sweep it away once more, a truth emerges from the darkness.
I’m never going to see my shadows again.
I yank myself from the window, startling Eve.
“Come on,” I say, gesturing with my head toward the door. “If we’re letting things go, let’s start with leaving this place behind. It’s filled with reminders.”
“But the hens.” Eve’s dark brows furrow.
“Bring Button home,” I reply.
“Where are they going to stay?” she asks, incredulous. “Their home ishere.”
“And it’s falling apart,” I argue. “Predators can slip in and the last thing you need is to venture over to find—”
“Alright,” Eve interjects, leaping to her feet. “Alright,” she repeats, softer. “Let’s bring them home.”
Good.
Then we never have to come back to this place again.
May it burn to the ground.
CHAPTER TEN
Of course Buttonwould be the last hen to catch.
And of course the feral feathered fowl would turn it into an escapade.
I can’t help but laugh at the irony of wanting toleavethe Moon Temple for the last time and the process to do so beingrifewith difficulty. And injury. Granted, none of it as severe as it was months ago.
Having witnessed us catch and take three others before her, Button decided to share her opinion regarding her relocation.
She wasn’t a fan of the idea.
