Gods. This was my chance.
Now I could breathe.
Now I could speak.
I tightened my grip on the satchel strap and headed for the door.
I stepped into the corridor, planning to go to Grandmother’s room first.
But then I heard her downstairs, talking with Mother and Emabelle.
Good.They were together.
I could confront them all.
Chapter 7
Elariya
“The Things We Carry”
Iwalked into the living room with my heart pounding in my throat.
Mother, Grandmother, and Emabelle were gathered near the hearth, folding linens and stacking clothes into neat piles. The fire was low, the room quiet, the kind of domestic calm that felt obscene after everything I’d learned.
For a heartbeat, none of them noticed me.
Then Mother looked up.
Her gaze slid over my face and stilled. Then it dropped.
To my tunic.
My pants.
My boots.
Her hands froze mid-fold, hazel eyes widening.
“Elariya?” She spoke my name quietly, as though saying it louder might cause something to shatter.
Grandmother’s head lifted. Emabelle turned.
All eyes were on me.
Mother rose slowly, confusion sharpening when her eyes flicked to the satchel at my side. “Where are you going?”
“Back to Galaythia.” The words sounded insane and freeing. “Or wherever my mission takes me.”
Mother’s skin drained pale. Grandmother and Emabelle stood, staring at me like I’d just confessed to murder.
“What are you talking about, dear?” Grandmother stepped forward.
“I know.” My voice didn’t shake like I expected it to. “I know the truth. I wasn’t in a coma. And the spell I cast to find Father didn’t give me this.”
I held up my wrist, showing them the sigil.
“It’s a soul mark.” I met her gaze and didn’t look away. “Abond.”
