“It will be difficult.”
“I know,” I mutter, withoutlooking away from her.
Chapter 24
Salvario
Robin approaches me. “Boss. We’re about to arrive.”
I look at him. “How much longer?”
“Half an hour, max. I’m preparing the capsule.”
I nod. He leaves.
I hold her tighter. I haven’t let her go once in the eight hours since we took off.
My throat constricts. “How will I live without you?” I press my forehead to hers.
“Boss, everything isready.” Robin returns.
I rise with her in my arms. I carry her to the capsule and lay her down in the coffin. I’d prepared this to send a broken woman—one who would have begged me for death—back to her father. Instead, I’m sending back the woman who has captured my soul. In a coffin.
I take out the rose I plucked before leaving and place it between her hands. I kiss her. Then I step away.
I turn and walk to my private room. I don’t have the strength to watch her leave.
I slump onto the couch, pressing my palm to my head. One tear falls. Another follows. Soon, I’m left with nothing but sobs.
Elowen
I open my eyes, my heart sinks when I see the pale pink ceiling.
“Wen.” My mom’s sob comes first, then her arms around me.
“Mom,” I whisper.
She pulls back and cradles my face.
“My baby.”
“I’m fine, Mom. Don’t cry.”
Crushing guilt settles in my chest. My mother is like this, and yet I feel a bitter disappointment at being back.
“I’m sorry,” I mutter.
She shakes her head. “Why are you sorry? Don’t say that.”
Dad enters the room. He stops at the door when he sees me, then crosses the space in three strides and pulls me into a crushing hug.
“I’m sorry, Princess. Your father failed you.”
I pull away and shake my head.
“I’m fine, Dad. Nothing bad happened to me.”
He searches my eyes for any sign of a lie. My father is very good at reading faces. I don’t know if he can see the state of my heart through my eyes. I hope not.
