“That’s Maeve’s natural state,” she informed her. “Tightly held together like twine is twisting her into a bind, or maybe like a stubborn jar lid.”
“Thanks for that,” I said, deadpan.
Nova’s eyes softened, and she smiled. “You’re welcome.”
Ardetia glanced toward the open doors, toward the subtle shimmer of the Ward, toward the line of visitors outside.
“The care packages were a good idea.” Ardetia glanced at the students. “They’re being welcomed with open arms by both the orcs and the shifters.
“That’s so amazing.” And I meant it.
“How are you doing with…your mom’s absence?” Ardetia asked, reaching for my hand.
“Her choice to walk straight into the Priestess’s compound is something I can’t reconcile. I know she did it, and I’m sure she thinks she’s helping, but…”
“It doesn’t make sense,” Nova said softly.
“Exactly.” I nodded and let out a deep breath. “I’m getting different versions about how it happened, whether it’s from Twobble or my dad or even Gideon…”
Nova’s brows lifted. “Gideon?”
“Long story.”
She nodded and left it at that.
“I wish there was a way I could reenact it, follow what she did step by step.”
The words came out before I had time to think them through.
“Maeve—” Nova stopped herself.
“I have to find a way,” I insisted, the heat in my voice surprising me. “Because if I don’t… if I don’t walk the same path, if I don’t see what she saw and where it started and where it turned, my mind is going to fill in the gaps with the worst things it can imagine.”
Ardetia’s gaze sharpened, but she didn’t contradict me while Nova let out a controlled breath.
I’d seen that look before, and it usually meant Nova was deciding whether she could talk me out of something or help me, which told me she had a way.
Her eyes met mine.
“Tell me what you’re afraid you’ll find.” She studied me.
The question dug deep and got under my skin. Was that what it was about? Was I worried I’d see something I didn’t want to?
“Part of me is afraid that she didn’t leave on her own,” I said. “Or… maybe she did, but with the thought she could change her mother’s mind, or perhaps, her mind was clouded with something, and it wasn’t actually her will.”
Nova held my gaze, and there was no pity in her expression, just understanding.
“You think the Priestess did something to her,” Ardetia said calmly. “To get your mom to go to the edge of the Wilds.”
I nodded. “I do. Possibly brainwashing of sorts or whatever Priestesses do.”
“And you hope that would make you feel better,” Nova said softly. “But what if the answer makes you feel worse?”
I stopped, lifting a hand in frustration. I was running out of words, and the fear underneath them was getting louder.
Nova’s gaze flicked briefly to the side, toward the students, toward the doors, toward the Ward’s shimmering line.
“It’s very rare,” she said, bringing her gaze back to mine. “Not impossible. But rare.”
