I hear what is unmistakably Roane’s voice, saying, “I was right the first time, she’s a liability. And bad luck. Look at all the monsters I’ve had to fight to keep her alive.”
I freeze.
Ardruna growls softly. “What are you saying, Ro? I thought you liked her.”
“You were wrong.”
CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO
MORE LIES
ADELINE
His words are a punch to my gut, stealing my breath. I thought… I thought something had changed between us. But maybe Olm was right. Maybe believing in lies makes us happier. The truth is a sword going through my heart, and I deserve it for not seeing it coming.
After all, I wasn’t only taught fairytales but also other, darker tales. I should have read the signs better. I should have taken his comments at face value.
“I see,” Ardruna says. Their voices are closer now. “So what are you suggesting?”
“We have to find a way for her to leave,” Roane says, and I hate that the dark rumble of his voice has desire curling in my belly despite everything.
“And how do you propose we do that?” Ardruna asks. “We all know there is no way out.”
“There has to be something we missed. We should go examine the entrance door again.”
A growl. “Why are you so set on this, Ro?”
“On her going? She’s human. Mortal. She should go home.”
My eyes sting with unshed tears as silence stretches, but I refuse to let them fall.
“Do you disagree?” Roane asks after long moments.
“No. Of course, she should go home if she can. I’m only sad for you. I thought you enjoyed her company.” She pauses. “Is that the reason you want her gone? The real reason? Because it’s what’s good for her?”
“It doesn’t matter,” Roane says quietly.
“Of course it matters. I don’t believe you don’t like her.”
“You should.”
“What are you hiding?” Ardruna demands.
“Fuck you. I’m not hiding anything.”
“Pardon me if I don’t believe you,” she says. “I’m your friend. And you owe me, seeing as you hid how I came into being.”
“You always existed in your story, Druna.” Roane’s voice has dropped so low I barely make it out. “My mistake was pulling you out.”
“A mistake, was it? Dig your grave deeper, why don’t you?”
“Maybe you should go with her,” Roane says. “See if you can leave this world.”
“You know as well as I do that book characters can’t leave this place. And even if I could, I’m not leaving you.”
“That’s your problem, not mine.”
“Gods above, Ro. What’s the matter with you?”
