“That's right. Of course, I didn't want anything to do with Death Magic, no matter what it offered me. Ironically, speaking to my parents only strengthened my resolve. They were good people, and they would have been ashamed of me if I joined the Corrupter.”
“How long were you imprisoned?”
“A few days. Finally, I tried to uncorrupt him. That failed and possibly killed a piece . . . of . . . my soul,” I trailed off. “Fuck, I haven't told anyone that. I should have told my boyfriends at least.” I made an amused sound. “It really is easier to speak to a stranger.”
“The Corrupter killed a piece of your soul?” Jathalion whispered.
“I don't know for sure.” I shrugged. “I sent my wraith into him, and he expelled it, then destroyed it.” Grimacing, I added, “It was filthy when it came out of him.”
“I'll bet.” He nudged my shoulder with his. “Then what?”
I cleared my throat. “Uh, then he stabbed me in the heart.”
“Holy fuck.”
“Yep. I died and saw the Goddess.”
“Holy. Fuck.”
I nodded. “She said I was destined to visit her since all Wraith Lords must. Then she told me that she made me immortal.”
“Immortal?”
“Yeah. My body healed, and the Goddess sent me back into it. But she waited to do that until after the Corrupter took me through his ward and tossed my body at my lovers' feet.”
“What an asshole.”
“Hey, it got me out of his castle and through that fucking ward.”
“I'll bet Xaedren lost his shit when he saw your body.”
I snorted. “That's putting it lightly. When I revived, he was roaring. Rath . . .” I composed myself then tried again, “Rath just wept. I never want to see him cry again. It tore me apart.”
“They're both good men.”
“Yeah. I kinda love them.” I nudged his shoulder. “Now, will you tell me why you're sad?”
Jathalion stared at me for a few long seconds, then said, “You recall how I said the trainees have been working extra hard?”
“Yes.”
“My group rushed things. They petitioned to take the fruit sooner than I thought they should. The Emperor denied their request, so they broke into the Headmaster's office and stole his supply of starfruit.”
“Oh, no.”
Jathalion swallowed roughly and looked away. “They didn't make it.”
“All of them?”
He nodded.
“Oh, fuck,” I whispered. Then I realized why he didn't want to tell me. “It's my fault.”
“No, it's not.” He sighed deeply. “All right, I admit that when you first walked up, and I realized who you were, I got angry. You're the reason they rushed. But it's unfair to blame you for the choices of others. It was their decision, not yours.”
“Sorrow and anger are often deaf to reason,” I said. “I'm so sorry about your trainees.”
“Thank you. I'll get over it. I just need some time.” Jathalion glanced at the garden path. “Everyone wants to celebrate my return, and I appreciate that, it's nice to be welcomed back, but I can't paste on a smile just yet. I need an hour or so to transition.”
