All Sienna wanted to do was go to her mother's grave.
Everything made sense. Her being sick, zoning out, looking like she was on the verge of collapsing. When Ninel wasyoung, every year when it was close to either of our parents’ birthdays, she'd fall ill. She never really grew out of it.
“Get in the car,” I said.
“Avit, please, I…”
I didn’t let her finish.
I’d heard enough.
I scooped her up, carried her to the car, and put her in the passenger seat. I buckled her seatbelt, then put the child lock on before shutting the door.
I walked around, got behind the wheel, started the engine, and pulled away from the sidewalk, with only one destination in mind.
Chapter 10 - Sienna
I pulled my knees into my chest, hugged them, and leaned my head against the door, not caring that the seatbelt dug into my skin.
I closed my eyes and whispered, “Sorry, Mom.”
I felt like such a fool thinking I could visit her grave without Avit finding out. He probably had spies covering every inch of their territory.
And why should I have told him, anyway? It wasn’t like we were in love; he wasn’t my real husband. He was using me to get to my father. I don’t owe him anything about my private life.
God, I hated him so much right now. I couldn't wait to get back to the house and lock myself in my room. I couldn't wait to get away from him.
You hate the man who sent his sister to take care of you when you were sick?
Yes.
I bit my lower lip.
No one had taken care of me in eight years. The only person who ever really did was Mom. And after the way I’d acted towards Mariya…she probably no longer liked me very much. I’d barely spoken to her, just curled up in bed or hid behind a book so I wouldn’t have to talk to her. I wasn't in the mood for company, and I wasn't good at faking social interactions.
A touch on my arm startled me from my thoughts.
“Sienna,” Avit said quietly, “where is your mother buried?”
“W-why do you want to know?” I asked, confused.
“Because that’s where we’re headed,” he said softly. “Unless you’ve changed your mind.”
I blinked. Wait…he was taking me?
Still confused, I gave him the address.
“You know,” Avit murmured, his voice growing even quieter, “if you had told me that’s where you wanted to go, I would’ve taken you earlier. I’m not so much of a monster that you couldn’t share that with me…am I?”
I didn’t answer. I just turned back toward the door and closed my eyes. Birthdays with Mom had always been special—baking a cake together, eating way too much ice cream, watchingThe Sound of Musicon repeat. Now all I had left was this hollow ache and memories that felt like they were slipping through my fingers.
I hated this. I hated not having her here. I missed her so damn much.
I wasn’t sure how long had passed before the car finally slowed to a stop.
“Sienna, we’re here.”
I remained silent. By the time he rounded the car, my seatbelt was already off, and my chest felt like it was caving in. Thunder rumbled somewhere in the distance.
