“That is why you are still here,” Petra decided after Cassian revealed what the stone was. “Black tourmaline is also protective and shields a person. It wards off attacks and harmful intentions.”
Samantha looked at both in her hand and gave a shiver. She was also going to keep them in her pocket until she was free of this place.
Or maybe she would keep them with her always.
Chapter 31
After everyone else had left, Samantha asked Cassian to place some food on the plate and pour tea into one of the glasses she had found, hoping that it wasn’t too hot to pick up. When he did so, she attempted to use a spoon to scoop up some potatoes but the utensil went through the food as if it was not there. Apparently, anything that originated in this room could not blend with anything from outside. Except, the liquid did manage to remain in the glass and Samantha was able to drink from it on her own.
Very odd indeed, but at least she would not need to rely on Cassian when she was thirsty.
Thank goodness she was able to eat and drink, and it was likely because she was also from the outside, or she would likely die. It was the only explanation she could form.
She then attempted to write a short note, which was just her name. When Cassian was able to read it, she set it aside to see if anyone else could when they returned. And, with disappointment that she could not feed herself, Samantha allowed Cassian to do so and he placed morsels of food to her lips until she was full.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
Only then did he drink and eat.
“Why me and why now?” Samantha asked after they’d both finished. “I have been at Nightshade Manor for nearly two months. I spent hours in the magical vault and never heard the music until recently. So, why now?”
“They did not tell you the whole of it,” Cassian said quietly. Samantha had a right to know that it wasn’t simply to keep a soul from ever loving.
“I sensed, in their music, that something was being kept from me.”
“They likely did not think that it was pertinent to your situation.”
“What is it?” Samantha’s tone was shaky with fear.
Cassian explained how the curse had been intended to punish those who have broken a heart to never love again.
“I have not done so. If I have, I was not aware and I would apologize immediately.”
He hated himself for what he had done and now he was the one who must tell her.
“That was the general agreement among the witches,” Cassian said before he explained how the warlock’s angry and broken heart had mingled with the curse so that those with a troubled heart are also affected.
Samantha frowned. “Troubled heart?”
“Or maybe one that is hurting such as his was.”
She grew quiet and stared into the glass of tea.
This was his fault!
Was she being reminded of what had happened before she heard music. Was she now blaming him?
How could he possibly make this right?
Or was he assuming too much and it was simply guilt for loving her when he shouldn’t. Was there another who had hurt her?
Maybe if he explained her heart would no longer be troubled and then she would be free. The witches claimed that the piano had not fully claimed anyone.
Maybe the answer was that simple.
That is, assuming he was correct in his failure to kiss her had left a troubled heart.
His throat tightened with how to even begin the conversation because if anyone should be stuck in here, it was him. And, if he explained, maybe the room would take him instead of her. Cassian would even be willing to play the piano if it meant that Samantha could be free.
