“Because our mothers were incapable of taking care of us. The world rejected us for our flaws, so we bonded together.” Cosmos was deemed unworthy because of his fits and Lia for the mosaic of colors on her legs. Their mother loved them as best as she could until injustice stole her mind.
Neve hummed. “He talks in his sleep. Like you.”
She tried not to react, but her heart raced. Had they revealed anything in their sleep?
“It seems you both have demons.”
“Don’t we all?”
He grunted.
They sat in silence, and she glanced at her brother’s face, his mouth slightly open. Her heart squeezed. Tomorrow, she had to enter the lion’s den. There was a high chance she wouldn’t be returning. Dahlia was going to fight. She wanted to come back to her family.
“Our deal remains intact?”
“Yes. As long as you play your part, Loshika’s safety is guaranteed, as is the coin that will go to her.” Neve’s gaze caressed her face. “I want to tell you that I am noble enough not to use them against you if you side with Randa. But you should know, if you betray us, I will do what I must to protect Loriia.”
It wasn’t quite a threat but more of a warning.
“I know.” She brushed a lock of auburn hair from her brother’s cheek that was dangerously close to being sucked into his mouth. “I won’t do anything to jeopardize their safety.” Or their future. They both deserved that.
“You should get some rest,” he said brusquely. “The day will be upon us soon.”
She peeked at Neve, but his eyes were closed. Next, she checked on Lo, whose eyes were wide open and locked on Dahlia.
“You’re awake,” she breathed, scooting over to thenonnae’scot. Her friend had been in and out of feverish waking dreams for the last two days.
Loshika held out her gauze-covered hand. Lia took it with care, making sure not to squeeze the wounds. A lump rose in her throat at Lo’s jagged broken claws. She met Lo’s eyes, which filled, and tears spilled over her navy cheeks.
“Shhhh...” Lia crooned, pushing onto her knees so she could wipe Lo’s tears away. “You’re safe. I’m here with you. Nothing and no one will touch you. It’s okay.” It wasn’t.
Thenonnaelooked away, staring at the ceiling as she silently cried. “Where am I?” she rasped.
“In the royalnonnae’stent.” Lo stiffened, but Lia gently ran a soothing hand down her arm. “It’s okay. You needed more help than Mizar could give you.”
Loshika’s head snapped to the side, and she glared at Dahlia. “What did you do?”
“What had to be done.”
“I am your servant. Not the other way around.”
Dahlia shook her head and reached up to brush away more of Lo’s tears and cupped her cheek. “No, we’re family, remember?”
“Weshould not be here.Youshould not be here. It’s not safe.” Her eyes widened, almost wild. “And Cosmos!” Her gazelanded on Cos in the cot next to her. Lo’s eyes turned accusing. “How could you bring him here?”
“I’ve secured your safety. As soon as you are healthy, you both shall leave this camp with enough gold to live whatever life you want. It’s going to be okay.”
Loshika licked her cracked lips. “And where will you be?”
“Fulfilling my part of the bargain,” Lia replied, pasting on a smile.Keep it together.
“Our lives for yours is too high a price!”
“Shhhhh... it’s already done.” Her voice cracked, and she swallowed back the sobs that wanted to break free. “Once you’re healthy, you’re going to take Cosmos and that gold and live a good life, do you hear me?”
“Is that a command,Reilleve?”
“No, because I know you wouldn’t listen anyway.” Thenonnaewas a force of nature.
